Pop.
Science tells us that weather balloons are special. But a party balloon? It was never designed for this. And yet, it rises until it can rise no more. At the apex of its journey—roughly 5 to 7 miles high—the rubber finally snaps. Journey of a Special Average Balloon -Normal Do...
The Special Average Balloon is no longer grounded. It is no longer tied down. It rises past the roof, past the telephone wires, into the open sky. For a moment, the child below cries. But the balloon? The balloon is finally free . It was never designed for this
It watches the candles flicker. It feels the vibration of laughter. It bobs gently as a toddler pats its side. While the pinata gets smashed and the cake gets devoured, the balloon remains. It is not the hero of the party—it is the atmosphere . The Special Average Balloon is no longer grounded
But then, a child picks it. Not because it is the shiniest, but because it is red —the same red as the crayon they used to draw their family. In that moment, the balloon ceases to be average. It becomes chosen .
Whoosh.