The only thing Mel wanted was to get out of the room. Something about it was suffocating, but she seemed to be the only one who was struggling. Getting up from her seat, she made her way to the back. If she could just get to the double doors, she would be fine. She could walk out and all of this would be behind her.
Every step seemed like walking through water. The music sloshed in her tennis shoes the way it had when she ran through a puddle as a kid. She wouldn’t stop until she saw the sky.
Keeping her head down she avoided eye contact. Most people weren’t looking at her anyway. They were focused on the big screen mounted high on the wall behind the stage. But she couldn’t take a chance. One well-meaning look from someone who was supposed to be a friend would send her right back to her seat. She couldn’t let that happen.
As she got closer to the double doors she moved a bit faster. It’s like that when you’re desperate for air. Daring a sideways glance, she saw everyone else doing perfectly fine. Why was she the only one who couldn’t breathe?
Propelled forward, she reached her right arm out readying her fingertips for the door. Would there be relief on the other side? She drew closer wondering if she was running but knowing she was in fact walking to the beat of the music. That almost annoyed her but she didn’t have time for that.
Her fingers touched the wooden door, eyes focused beyond the narrow window to freedom. And in a moment she was through, pushing out from the dark space to feel the sunlight pour over her. She wondered if she should just head to the bathroom and splash some water on her face, but the lure of the light pulled her to another set of doors.
Breaking outside, Mel took her first deep breath, exhaling so fully her body seemed to sink. As tempted as she was to look back, the thought was replaced with how good it felt to breathe. Mel made her way to her tiny car, opened the door, and sat down. Her feet stayed firm on the pavement for a beat but she was worried someone would see her there and ask if she was okay. That was motivation enough to swing her legs in, close the door, and start the engine. Pulling out of the parking lot she glanced at the church. She could swear she almost saw her wet footprints path out the door. That was when she knew she couldn’t go back, at least not anytime soon.
Hi friend! I know this is a little different from my usual writing, but I’m starting a fun project this month. I’m REDISCOVERING my love of words. What does that mean? Simply put, I’m giving myself permission to explore and play, even when I don’t have a clear plan. It’s as exciting as it is terrifying.
I hope you’ll join me. You can read along, offer comments, or even give yourself a chance to REDISCOVER something dormant within you. Whether it’s with words, a long-abandoned hobby, or a spark that just needs some air, may we embrace childlike wonder and curiosity together.
See you tomorrow!
You and Mel have caught my attention!
What a fun project!