The Midnight Pendulum

I hooked my boot over the heavy rubber slab of an empty swing, letting the rusted iron chains rattle under my weight. The mortals built this contraption for frail children, yet here I was, claiming its highest arc. With a sharp kick against the damp gravel, I sent the seat launching forward into the dark air. The wind whipped past my ears while the iron links groaned in protest at the peak of the ascent. Leaning back, I let out a dry scoff at the quiet houses tilting below. A juvenile pastime, perhaps—yet the sheer momentum isn't entirely unworthy of my time.