Excerpt from "Hang On, Dolly!" by Sally Lee
Dolly sat on the old wooden swing, her fingers intertwined with the frayed ropes as she gently rocked back and forth. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow across the vast expanse of the backyard. It was her favorite time of day, a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos of her life.
As she swung, Dolly's mind wandered to all the struggles she had faced over the years. From the sudden loss of her parents at a young age to the never-ending challenges of adulthood, life had been far from easy. But through it all, Dolly had learned one important lesson - to hang on.
Her journey had not been a smooth one. There were times when she felt like giving up, like the weight of the world was too much to bear. But each time she felt herself slipping, she would find the strength to hold on, even if it was just by a thread.
Dolly's swing, a relic from her childhood, had become her sanctuary. It was where she went to escape the noise and confusion of everyday life. It was where she found solace and peace.
On this particular evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Dolly closed her eyes and allowed herself to fully embrace the moment. The gentle breeze brushed against her cheeks, bringing a sense of renewal. The swing creaked in response to her movements, small reminders of the passage of time.
In that moment, Dolly made a promise to herself. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she would hold on tight. She would face them head-on, never wavering in her determination. She knew that life would continue to throw curveballs her way, but she also knew that she was strong enough to weather any storm.
As the swing came to a gentle halt, Dolly opened her eyes. Darkness had enveloped the yard, but she knew that dawn would come again. And when it did, she would be ready to face whatever came her way.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Dolly stood up from the swing and walked back towards the house. She knew that hanging on wouldn't be easy, but she was no longer afraid.