Free

This was written in response to one the challenges at

"Challenge Yourself" 

The challenge was to omit "the" from your piece.
I wasn't entirely successful, but I still like the result.

FREE

It is quiet now.  A moment ago I was in a room full of light and I could hear muffled footsteps shuffling around me.  First the footsteps were gone, then the light.  Now, there is not even a breath of movement around me, only blessed darkness.  Perhaps I can just lay here for a while and rest.  I will admit that laughter and music are a wonderful way to fill an evening but after a while it is so draining.  Eventually I felt overwhelmed by so many happy people celebrating.

Celebrating?  What were they celebrating?  There were too many people laughing and talking, filling my space, taking my air, so I ran.  When I saw a door slightly ajar, I just pushed it open and ran.  Cool, fresh air rushed past my face as my heels dug into soggy ground.  Then I heard voices calling my name and I slipped my feet out of my lovely white satin shoes because they were impeding my escape.

Yes, my escape.  I wanted to escape from suffocating good will and ominous predictions for my future.  Yards of satin and lace that had looked so beautiful earlier were now heavy with moisture pulled from soft blades of grass and the once billowing fabric threatened to become entangled around my ankles.  Still I ran as confused celebrators pushed their way through hastily opened doors and began to follow after me.

Quickly moving through soft bubbles of yellow light that spilled out of every window and door, I slipped away and soon found myself encompassed by Night’s thick darkness.  People were frantically calling my name but I ignored their pleas.  Nothing was going to prevent my flight.

I ran until there was nowhere else to run, until my feet were no longer moving on soft, cold ground and, for a moment, everything stopped.  There was nothing touching me but soft, sweet air.  As I became aware of my body, I realized I had begun to drift downwards and I could hear water splashing angrily against solid, steadfast rocks.  And then, only silence.

I’m sure I should be able to remember what they were celebrating.  Maybe later.  I like this place where I am laying.  It’s cool.  And it’s quiet.  And I’m alone, finally, alone.  Maybe I’ll just lay here forever.