Ringing of a bell signals entry into the store

Frantic steps click an unsteady beat searching out shelves

Quickly snatching liquid energy from the refrigerated box

It’s temporary home in the loose grip of flesh

Waiting among a line made of one

Sweaty palms clamp on cool aluminum

Glance at red watch rewinds thoughts to morning

Grey clouds greet tired eyes, peer around another dull day

Walking through a routine, worn down like salt water on rock

Watching outdated cartoons from a drifting childhood

The red numbers stated the time is now

Slipping into gloomy clothes

Creaking vintage steps lead to countless trails

Quick strides through crowded sidewalks

Wading through dark oceans on concrete beeches

Passing visions, rippling color

A normal girl

Mind catches up with the cling of the register

Brisk steps through wallow

Crossing paths made of gorilla hands

Hiding under canopy against onslaught of clouds

Looking towards red stop lights for safety of passage

Tumble first steps into abyss

An unaware girl

Girl walking on rainy roads unprepared

Red umbrella slips from startled hands

Hearing the screech of the reaper

Pink petaled lips fluttered a scream too late

Aquamarine windows glossed over with morning dew

A scared girl

Stomping fear from choking heart

They fled from the metal cage, dragging with them red rope

Grasping the red rope of the booey

Shaking resembling leaves on windy day

The owner of the onyx monster steps out

An amatuer detective asks questions

Questions that won’t conform to the brains will

Head raging like high tide with thoughts of their own

Water compressing the chest that struggles so violently to get air

Repeating the same line as if it was a life line

Booey is returned to the man who sets on his way

Body drifting back towards its home

Head is down watching as tired feet splash in tiny rivers

A tense girl

Mind still not thinking of the possibilities

Yet still alert to remember the way back

Yearning for the warmth

For the safety of it

Like a life jacket in deep lakes

Feet stopping in front of solid door

Keys jingle while sliding from warm pocket, cold hand

One less wall between perdition and paradise

Squeeks of old stairways make aware those around I’ve made it back

Locking the last door behind me

Clunky shoes slip from feet to floor

Soon followed by a shaking body

Tears dripping down red cheeks hit stained wood

Mouth tries to form words it does not yet know

Heart resounds with second life

An alive girl