What Now

Mary walks, silently, down the street, ignoring all the distractions, she has a single, focused mission in mind, to enjoy and straighten out her own thoughts, that are wondering back and forth. Mary picks up what she is looking for, pays for it from the allowance the boyfriend has given, same amount each week without change, to buy what she believes is necessary for them to live, when Mary asks for an increase, Adam stares, he very calmly states that it is more than enough. Mary heads back slower than before, knowing she will have to explain where she went, if the man, Adam, is home before he should be, this will cause a lengthy nervous explanation, step by step details that should not have to be. Mary reaches the stairs of her apartment, each step slower than the one before, sweat starting in her palms, soon, if it all goes to plan, this will be no more, escaping out, finding a job for herself, explore the world of being just a twenty-two year old. The key goes into the lock, relief comes over Mary’s face, because Adam is no where to be found, she moves quickly to the washroom, pulls her new package out of its bag, carefully reads and reads again the instructions, nothing will be missed. Mary waits the proper time recommended, so much of the future thought of at this moment, she picks up the strip and reads the given colour, Mary closes her eyes, lets out a breath, wonders aloud, “What now?”. September 21, 2011 © Andrew Scott – Just a Maritime Boy