Twice in a Lifetime \\ KELLIC

6

I searched all of the cupboards in the kitchen for something, anything, that I could eat so I could delay leaving the house for at least another day. The thought of going back out into the world made me feel queasy. I was scared of getting back out there. I knew I was. In here, in my home, time was frozen. Nothing happened. Leaving meant realizing the world was still moving.

I let the last cupboard door swing shut and dropped my hand lazily. I sighed deeply. I was going to have to go out. If only Cassie still left me her casseroles, but I didn't hear her come by today.

I grabbed my car keys and went out the front door. I stopped on the steps as my eyes fell on the fixed porch swing. I hadn't heard from Vic since yesterday. I didn't expect to. I did yell at him to leave me alone after all. I had mixed feelings. On the one hand I was upset with him. On the other hand, I knew he was just trying to be nice.

I forgot about it went to my car. I got in, put the key in the ignition and turned it on. Then, I just sat there. I tightened my fingers around the steering wheel. Was this what Ashton's last images were? Of a dashboard and windscreen? I didn't want to drive, but I had no other option, so I pushed the thoughts from my mind and I drove.

I lived in a small town almost in the middle of nowhere. If you were on the main high way and didn't venture past the trees then you wouldn't even know it existed, but it did. It was a coastal town with the most beautiful blue harbor. I had to drive past it to get to the store. I saw Vic's boat that he lived on, way down the end of the dock. I kept driving.

I wasn't really sure what day it was, but it must have been a work day because the main grocery store wasn't that busy. A lot of people were staring at me. I knew most people, or at least just their faces, and news got around quickly so of course they knew what happened. People would stare, but no one would approach. They either looked at me with sympathy, or scanned my body up and down with a frown.

I glanced down at my body. I was in my pajamas. I didn't care. And I was wearing flip flops. I didn't care about that either. I just got my food, making sure I stocked up for a while, and took it out to my car.

I was ready to leave and just go home when I had another thought in mind. I worked at the local pet store. I hadn't actually spoken to my boss at all since everything happened. Work was the last thing on my mind and I didn't care if I got fired, at least I didn't at the time. Word must have gotten around to him at some point, but I felt bad because he was such a good boss and I left him hanging.

I changed my direction and crossed a few streets until I was parked outside the store. I got out. I would make this quick. I'd go in, apologize, and leave. As I entered the store, the bell on the door chimed. There was no one in here. It must be a slow day.

"I'll just be a moment to help you!" My boss, Mr. Carlile , said from out the back.

"It's just me Mr. Carlile ," I called out.

I headed down an aisle and got to the front counter. I leant against it as I waited. For the first time in a while, I was thinking about the future. I liked this job. I wanted this job. I didn't want it right now though, but it would be a shame to not be able to come back. I didn't want to think about the future anymore. It hurt.

"Kellin?" Mr. Carlile asked as he came back out the front.

"Yes, Sir," I nodded.

"Well, I did not expect to see you here," he said, astonished. I was glad not to hear any anger in his voice.

"Yeah...listen, I'm sorry for not contacting you or coming in," I said.

He shook his head and waved his hands, "No, no, don't you apologize. I completely understand. Kellin, I am really sorry for what happened. We all are."