As I opened the door and stepped outside a warmth I had not felt all day, let alone all winter, washed over me. With the excitement of a seasonal gift leading the way I stood there for a few seconds.
I closed my eyes and I was twelve. I was throwing a ball to my father. The pool we were next to beckoned with a thousand sparkles, miniature explosions of light that danced on the surface.
I opened my eyes and I was thirty nine. I was tired, scared and beaten from a days work, yet somehow, driven. Could it be, was it warm enough? I knew it was.
And With a deep breath I shelved my memory and headed for the car. Now with an extra pep in my step and anticipation billowing, I giggled. After all, the first one of the year was only a few feet away!
I picked up the pace and in the time it took to cross the parking lot and grab for my keys, the day's woes were forgotten.
I quickly got in and shut the door. I then threw my arm load onto the passenger seat, laid my head back, inhaled the heated fabric and allowed it to happen.
The pressure on my face was welcomed and before long.... they arrived. They started on my neck, just as they always do and they waisted no time spilling over my shoulders. They ran down my upper arms like a gentle breeze causing my hair to stand up and they didn't stop until they reached the tops of my hands.
The second wave started with an exhale release as they spread down along my spine. With the touch of finger nails moving along my skin they caused my muscles to flinch. From there they fanned out to my sides and around towards my stomach, igniting a shiver burst that shook me from neck to waist. And with one last explosion they spread out past my shoulder blades and just like that, the chills were gone.
A sigh of relief then punctured my lips as I melted into the seat. A smile eased it's way onto my face and I knew; Mother nature's hot car massage had done it again.
