One of a Kind

Chapter 1

     I quietly make my way through the silent village market and out its gates. After a few minutes, I glance back at my sleepy little village – the worst thing to do if you’re running – one last time. Something starts to emerge from the darkness. I hold my breath, frozen in fear. It’s my mom. Why does running have to be so complicated? I sigh in relief. She called out to me, “Come back Cathleen, we can fix this!”

       I feel tears tugging at the corners of my eyes. But decide not to cry, not until I’m gone, long gone. I try to shout back, “No, mom, it. . .,” my voice starts to brake. “. . .it can never be fixed!”

      Before she can even attempt to comfort me, I run. Far away from her, from my village, from my people, and far away from the hurt. Only when everything I’m running from is far behind me, I stop to rest. I stare across the lake towards the horizon, it hazes over. I’m deep in thought. Where will I go now? How will I keep my prophesy from happening? Moonlight shines across the surface of the lake as I peer in, casting my reflection. I skim my hand through the water; feeling its ice cold texture slide through my fingers, one by one.

        As I stare at my shattered self in the pond, I know, Cathleen Abbott is no more.