It's Time

Run Wild

Freen's POV

I gripped the throttle of my motorcycle as hard as it allows me while driving on the freeway. I can feel the cold wind against my body as I drive fast. The freeway was well lit even during this time of night.

I live for this.

The thrill. Excitement. Some people, my mom specifically, sees this as recklessness but I call it freedom. There is something about driving a motorcycle that's freeing. It makes me feel that in this world, in this life, I am free.

I slowed down when I saw the sign that I am almost to my exit. I swerved to the right after making sure that there's no vehicle behind me.

"Where have you been? It's almost dawn."

I turned my motorcycle off just a few blocks away from out house and just pushed it towards our gate. It's really late and I don't want to wake my mom up.

I walked silently towards the door and knelt down to get the spare key that I hid under the pot beside the door.

Slowly, I turned the knob. Careful not to make even the tiniest sound.

I exhaled softly when I was able to open the door finally. I took my boots off before taking entering the living room.

"Should I turn the lights on for you?"

My entire body stiffened upon hearing that oh so familiar voice. I slowly turn around and saw my mom, well, her silhouette sitting on the sofa. I managed to smile a little. But I know what's about to come.

"Hi, ma."

I said in a whisper. I can see her standing up from the sofa and walking towards me. She stopped when she reached the light switch and flicked it open. The entire room was filled with light making me squint my eyes a little. When my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw my mom sternly looking at me. I smiled and walked to the light switch and turned it off.

"Let's conserve energy."

I playfully said. I heard her sigh before speaking.

"Freen, when is this going to end? At first I thought that it's just a phase but now? You're already 24! No job, still lives with your mom and for crying out loud! Still playing around like you don't care about your future!"

She's not shouting but I felt her frustration in every part of my being. I have heard this a thousand times before and the only thing that changes with this speech is my age.

I bit my lip and walked towards her.

"Mom, if I leave, you will be on your own. Who will take care of you? Who will remind you to take your medicine? Who will.."

I heard her sigh one more time before cutting me off.

"I did not raise you to be my care giver. I did not send you to school just so you can remind me to take my medicines."

It was my turn to sigh. I walked closer to her and just gave her a quick hug.

"I know. Sorry I was late. The race ended later than we expected."

I said. She took my hands in hers and even in the darkness I can see her eyes.

"Freen, please, I already asked you so many times before, stop racing."

I grimaced and just nodded. She touched my cheek before turning around to walk to her room. I took a deep breath and walked to my own room.

I opened the door and turned on the light. Looked around before letting my body fall on the bed. I turned my head to the photo on topcof my side table.