A gentle breeze blows through the trees, scattering the leaves. They float gently to the ground, scattering in a myriad of red, gold, and orange. The lights of the park create a golden hue, highlighting the already beautiful colours of the leaves. I step on the pathway, hearing the gentle crunch of decaying leaves. In the quietness of early evening, I stroll down the pathway, passing empty benches that during the day are filled with joggers and lovers. I pass by the playground, where swaying swings fill the crisp air with a harmonious creaking. I see the sandbox littered with abandoned children’s toys.
Streetlamps illuminate the surrounding area, giving the park an otherworldly feel. I feel the cobblestone beneath my feet, every bump, crack, and imperfection. I smell the distinctly crisp smell of autumn, heavily ladened with the scent of dying leaves. I let the solitude wash over me. The world is at peace, and I can feel all the tension flowing out of my bones. I continue down the pathway, wearing a peaceful smile.
A few rights, lefts, and turns later I make it to the middle of the park. A great fountain, with a winged angel at the top is my greeting. The multiple basins are now still, and no water rushes forth. I walk towards the fountain and peer down into the water where coins of all sizes wink back at me, covering the porcelain base in their numbers. I fish around in my pocket and pull out a dime. The coin creates soft ripples as it hits the water. I turn away and continue my autumn stoll.
A flickering street lamp ahead suddenly goes out, and the pathway is washed in the magical light of a harvest moon. I see the movement of shadows in the trees, as if there is a another world in the branches, just waiting to be discovered. I wonder what it would be like. Would there be ghouls and goblins there? I shiver slightly and continue to walk, pulling my jacket closer.
I come across another playground that is enveloped in silence, as if it were holding its breath in anticipation of children coming to play. I pause for a few moments and reminisce about those long ago days when I was a child and would play on this same playground. I shake myself from the memories to continue on my path.
The park is lovely during my private walk. I arrive at the end of my journey, coming to the exit gate of the park. The fence that encirlces the entire grounds, keeps all of the precious secrets and hidden treasures safe inside the park. The exit gate opens with a loud creak in the silence of the autumn evening. I quickly slip out, like a thief in the night, and gently close the gate. I wince slightly at the loud creak the gate emits once again, as if it is bidding me farewell. I rush across the blacktop and onto the sidewalk. Walking up the short flight of steps, I take out my keys and open the door. I have made it home, bringing with me a sense of peace from my autumn stroll.