She sits down, closes her eyes and remembers. The feeling of pulling on her ballet skirt dreaming of dancing on a stage with bright lights. The dizziness of spinning around and around until she collapses on the ground in fits of giggles. Skipping instead of walking while chatting to her imaginary friend. Laughing at silly things and talking to animals like they really understand her.

Collecting shells, stones and feathers and putting all those found treasures in jars.

The shy feeling of walking into a room where she doesn’t know anyone.

Making a paper crown and believing it will make her beautiful.

Folding paper birds and believing they will fly and knowing that one day she will do something to change the world.

She opens her eyes and catches a glimpse of herself in a mirror.

For a moment, she doesn’t recognize the woman looking back at her, the lines on her face and the silver in her hair.

Her body feels a little tired, her joints a little stiff.

She closes her eyes again, she may look different in the mirror, but she will always be the same young girl on the inside.