Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Sneak (05/12/16)
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TITLE: Invisible Refuge | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
05/18/16 -
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I bypassed the carts and kept alert with my eyes roving in all directions, staying on task and moving onto my destination. Arriving at the dairy case I was relieved that my assignment was halfway over. I was about to grab a gallon of milk when I noticed Emily from church walking toward me. Confident she hadn’t seen me, I cast down my head and quickly moved away. I had to sneak behind the cereal shelves to be certain I was out of view. I watched as Emily unknowingly passed the aisle where I was safely hidden. Once I felt somewhat secure, I hurriedly grabbed a gallon of milk and made my way to the check-out.
Quickly, I moved past the lines of people. I will not have to speak to the cashier if I go through the U-scan. Praying nothing would go wrong; I scanned the milk, paid with my Visa and left.
My trembling legs led me to the protection of my car. Breathing heavily, I fell inside, locked the doors, and started the ignition. I kept my focus on driving the short distance home and avoided eye contact with other drivers.
Sighing as I pulled into the garage, I turned off the car, and quickly hit the automatic door closer. The phone was ringing when I entered my obscure refuge.
Glancing at the ID caller, I hesitated, and then answered tentatively, “hello?”
“Irene, did you make it to the store yet?”
“Yes, I’m back.”
“That’s good honey. You know, the more you do those things on your own, the easier it gets.” My husband said encouragingly. “There’s a potluck at church tonight. Should we try it?”
Sweat beaded on my neck and I began to shake.
“Irene, are you there?”
“That’s too much in one day,” I whispered.
Following a sigh and silence on the phone, “okay, maybe next week then?”
“Maybe,” I answered quietly.
I hung up the phone and sank into the couch. Lord, why am I so very fearful? Please help me.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. My heart pounded as I froze in place. After several seconds, again it sounded. Slowly and quietly I snuck to the closed curtains in my living room and plastered myself against the wall. With a shaky hand I pulled back the curtain just enough to see who was on my front porch. I held my breath and watched.
Slowly I sank to the floor as my neighbor Rosa placed something on my porch and turned to leave. She leaned heavily on her cane as she hobbled down my front steps. As tempting as it was to depend on my husband to retrieve the item, I gave in to my curiosity. Once I was sure she was gone, I opened the door and quickly grabbed the small tea rose she had left.
Making my way back through shadows, I once again fell into my hideaway, in the corner of the couch. An envelope was attached to the plant. My hands shook as I opened it and lifted out a small card.
“I hope you are feeling better. Your husband mentioned you have been ill. Please let me know when you would like to come to my house for tea. God loves you Irene. Your neighbor, Rosa.”
A tear slipped down my cheek. God, I feel so guilty for not opening the door. If you love me, then why do I fear….everything? I clutched the card to my breast as stifled sobs surfaced. Why is everything so difficult? I don’t want to live in the darkness. I don’t want to be invisible any longer.
In the shaded silence I listened for God’s voice. I stood and walked to the living room and stared at the long drapes keeping out the world. I had taken a step forward today. I had gone to the store alone. A slight smile crossed my face. Maybe I will even open my curtains tomorrow.
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I like reading your stories and can't wait to read more in the weeks to come.