When night rolled in over the Pacific Ocean I was already escaping up the coast, winding my way along Highway 1. The narrow road took all my concentration as I banked and slowed into each turn, keeping my wheels carefully between the white lines. I passed other cars and wished I could see past the blinding glare of their lights. I wanted to know if the drivers were smiling.
Sometime around midnight I pulled into an overlook. The sea-breeze played with my braid and the fine wisps of hair around my face trailed along my cheeks and caught in my lips. My legs were unsteady as I made my way to the slat-board fence that guarded the cliff and crashing waves below.
In the distance, the moon lit a long white trail along the water, casting everything in silver and shadows. I gripped the worn wood of the top-most board, liking the way it gave under my fingers, just a little, like it was alive after so many years in the damp. Above me the big-dipper pointed the way to the North Star. With a sigh, I wished it would point me home.
There was no such thing. Whatever home I had was gone and the stolen car, waiting patiently to take me far away, was all I had to remember it by. The silver, sleek, BMW had whispered to me when I walked past it hours ago. They keys had been in the ignition. I'd love to hear other's thoughts on this! I'm looking forward to checking out the other entries!
Also, if you're feeling a little generous, I've entered a picture book contest in honor of a very needy elementary school--I'd much appreciate it if you could spare a second to go here and hit 'like' for me and the school! Thanks :)
