Sorry
I boarded the train to Waterloo clutching my Coffee cup firmly in my right hand. I heaved my suitcase up and sat in the first seat I found, manoevring the suitcase in next to my knees. Was I doing the right thing? I began to question myself constantly, the line going round in my brain. I was running away from all familiarity, excitement was running through my veins and my heart seemed to beat with an extra beat.
I checked my phone, the message was still there. 'I have booked you a flight to Nice, it leaves Heathrow at 14.40. I will meet you at the airport' x
I sat back in my seat relaxing slowly, the rhythm of the train gently soothing me although doubt was still washing over me.
Arriving at Waterloo, I made my way to the Tube dodging the crowds of silent strangers. I felt their eyes judging me, like hot pokers into my soul. On a tube train, a mother with her child sat next to me. I tried to avoid being sucked into her world. I had left that behind. I wanted a new life of adventure.
Heathrow a busy, jostling place, I checked in and made my way to the departure lounge. This was it, the decision of my life. I sank into a seat, an emotional trembling woman. I couldn't do it, something was holding me back, the ties of my family were too strong to let me go. i sat and cried, watching the plane take off. I would never have this chance again, but I did not want it really.
I sent a text 'Sorry.'
Nice story. You did a great job of capturing her inner turmoil. I wonder if, in a day or two, or a year or two, she will regret the missed plane.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that was the idea. This was my first public attempt at Flash Fiction and was inspired by my own experiences of being a young mum and at times wanting to run away, but I never did.
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