“The storm is spreading downward, still restricting itself to the sky yet assimilating the tranquil world quickly. The air is dry and the wind warm. I am transfixed on the creation forming. This is a show no one can see as I see it. In a world inhabited by few, you have great opportunities to be the sole observer. I stand in awe of the uncontrollable, understanding that change cannot be avoided, only faced. As another series of lightning dominates the sky and the angry thunder pushes past my ears, I allow myself to drift back to another storm – a storm only I saw coming.”
“At times she must look into a mirror and see a beautiful young woman passing through life in a way she had not planned. A woman yearning to be free, to do young things again. To hang out with friends, to go on dates, to dance.
“Please, one more time.” ”
“I’m checking out of here soon.” She moves her hand off of mine and slowly lifts a cup of water to her lips; weakly sipping on the white plastic straw inserted within. “I’m done fighting.” She places the cup back on the table. “I just wanted one more Easter with my kids. I’m too tired. I don’t want to fight it anymore.”
The Dangerous Misleading Smile
“This time, I turn over, my face looking at the ground, on all fours like an imprisoned hostage, freedom stripped, dignity raped — a person no longer human.”
“Maybe the two worlds did crash that night. Maybe they just passed each other with distrust. It did not matter to me – I was not noticed. I was simply there, a body that was seen, yet not understood.”