Peppermint Memories

One of the candy canes was broken. I slipped a red and white shard onto my tongue and let the peppermint dissolve. Candy cane tastes like visiting Santa at the mall, shop windows painted with wreaths and holly, the glow of stop and go lights on the rainy drive home. I'd like to let my mom brush and braid my hair. I would like to wear new pajamas and watch Christmas cartoons in bed. I'd like to slow down, without falling behind, slow down and absorb a little more peppermint.