Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the empty playground. Emily sat alone on the swing, her mind swirling with thoughts. She kicked her feet idly, the rhythmic squeak of the chains echoing through the quiet evening.

"Don't think about it," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible above the gentle breeze. But try as she might, she couldn't shake the memories that plagued her.

It had been a year since her best friend, Lily, had moved away. Their laughter used to fill the air as they swung side by side, dreaming of adventures yet to come. But now, the swings creaked in solitude, a stark reminder of the void left behind.

"Don't think about it," Emily repeated, closing her eyes and willing the tears to stay at bay. But with each passing moment, the ache in her chest grew stronger.

She remembered the promises they had made, the secrets shared under the branches of their favorite oak tree. How could she forget the whispered confessions and the endless summers spent exploring the world around them?

"Don't think about it," she murmured, her fingers gripping the chains of the swing until her knuckles turned white. But the memories refused to be silenced, flooding her mind like a relentless tide.

As the sky turned a deep shade of purple, Emily finally rose from the swing, her heart heavy with longing. With one last glance at the empty playground, she made a silent vow to hold onto the memories, no matter how painful they may be.

"Don't think about it," she whispered once more, her voice tinged with sadness. And with that, she turned away, carrying the echoes of the past with her into the night.