Member-only story
One December Day
It was a lot of waiting. I sat, choice made, ready to take the next step. I wanted to move forward. Be done with it. Move on to the next phase. But I couldn’t. It wasn’t my turn.
I looked around, wondering if they were all here for the same reason I was. That couple over there. She looks upset. I guess she’s not as at peace with her decision as I am. Maybe this isn’t the path she wanted.
The guy under the TV looks bored. Is he waiting for his turn or waiting for someone? How long has he been here, I wonder. How long will I be here? I’m ready. I shift in my chair.
The door in the middle opens. The sad girl disappears behind it. Her boyfriend/friend/brother gets left behind. It seems kind of cruel when I know she’s here to leave something bigger behind—A future. A past. A mistake. A defect. I’m not sure if she’s leaving the same thing behind as I am. But I do know she shouldn’t have to do it alone if she doesn’t want to.
Another door opens. I look up, hopeful it will be my turn. A girl comes out with a brown paper bag in her hand. A parting gift, perhaps. Like the favor bags you used to take home after a birthday party when you were a kid.
She looks happy anyway. Or is that relief?
Which door is mine? Which will take me down the path I chose? The path to my future? What is waiting on the…
