Escape Route

Written for https://christinebialczak.com/2024/08/06/simply-6-minutes-welcome-to-the-challenge-08-06-2024/

Wide open, and a thousand hands smothered her thoughts and she could hardly breathe. Mostly, she controlled the capacity to distinguish reality from getting lost in a maze of self destruction.

Today, she struggled to find the escape route.

She picked up her dog’s lead; she would not allow her fears a win.

Away from the computer screen, walls squeezing into nothingness, she endeavoured to be better.

The front door opened, and grey clouds scattered their tears on to an empty path. She nearly turned back. Mitch pushed forward, and she did too. Her neighbour waved as he got out of the car.

‘Hiya, looks like rain,’ he shouted.

‘Yea, brought my brolly, I’ll be alright.’

As they inched closer to the field, her worries rebounded off her umbrella.

Taking the thrower, she clipped him free; well trained, he always returned when she called. A lonely grass formed a friendship; a symbiotic relationship with hope. Her limbs lifted, and the tennis ball cheered, until her dog caught it. He rushed to her side, and she pried it from his mouth.

He was never much good at the drop command.

Another long throw, he competed with his pal Merlin.

‘Not seen you in a while,’ Sarah said.

‘Been busy.’

She looked down, her face hidden by the fabric of her hoodie.

‘Look, do you fancy a coffee? I was contemplating a cheesecake at Jenny’s restaurant, after he has had his run. Don’t enjoy sitting alone. Would you mind coming with me?’

‘Not sure I can …’

‘My treat. I would really appreciate the company.’ Her tone was quiet, she took a breath in.

A faint reply. ‘Only if I buy the drink.’

She possessed some tokens from her previous visit, and at the very least, she had the ability to contribute.

‘Cool!’

With the breeze whispering its approval, she gave herself a break.

It was okay, not to be okay, and it was good to talk.