Freedom

https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/ and the responsible for this word prompt.

Remembering, as a child, when her shadow was a friend she could count on. They jumped across the black and white, holding on to her mum’s hand. Watching the different coloured cars race along the road, but she didn’t know where.

Now, walking across, her shadow seemed taller today.

Perhaps it was the freedom she felt, being able to cross with confidence.

The solicitor said, all that was required now, was her signature. She could start her life afresh. A new beginning, with a better ending. They were both young when they married. Seventeen; not even old enough to vote.

They were happy for a while, but they went in different directions. When their first son was born, they were excited parents, but when Joe went to school, he expected her to stay at home, while he went out and explored his world.

She should have done this sooner, when Joe was little, but he deserved a dad. Yet, it was her son who sat her down. Eighteen, and off to university, he had witnessed the put downs.

‘Leave him Mum, it’s about time you put yourself first.’

‘I love your dad, besides it would means starting afresh.’

‘Isn’t that worth risking? You’re better than this life, and I see the way he treats you. Belittling you in front of friends – I’ve seen you crying. Please Mum, you can make it on your own. I’ll help, I’ve been saving money for a couple of years.’

Divorce, a horrible word, when she was young, but it was the word that made her smile. Looking to the black and white lines, she jumped from one to the other until she reached the end of the crossing.

A new start, a fresh start, and she had taken that final step to freedom.