When I Get To Where I'm Going Novels & Stories

Without conclusions. Just seconds slipping forward, carrying me somewhere I didn’t yet know....

Morning is going to come. And when it does— I won’t be here.

I start to move before the panic trying to claw out of my chest can take hold. ‘I’m on my way.’

From something I couldn’t control. I hit the gas harder. The road disappeared behind me. And I didn’t know where the hell I was going. I just knew I couldn’t go back.

One way or another, I’m getting out of here. Whatever it takes. Whatever I have to do.

Steady. “Maybe it was just where I started.” And now? I was finally ready to go somewhere else. I got in the car. And this time— I didn’t look back again.

“Where are you going?” I glance at her over my shoulder, heart thundering. “I need to be sure she’s okay.” And then I’m out. The rain pours—soaks through my shirt the moment I hit the pavement. It’s a cold slap to the face, but I don’t stop moving. I slide into the driver’s seat, slam the door, and crank the heat as my tires screech against wet asphalt. Wipers swing furiously. Thunder growls in the distance. The GPS leads me north.

I’m better out here even though I don’t have the slightest clue what I’m going to do. I want to give myself a few seconds to get myself together and then I keep going. I quicken my pace just in case. I’m paranoid that someone’s going to come after me and stop me and drag me back in there. How can I go back when I’ve already had a taste of freedom? I can’t. It’s out of the question. I can only move forward. No looking back.

My instincts were screaming at me to go back to the hospital. I stepped harder on the gas. The car surged forward, slicing through the quiet night. City lights blurred past, but I barely registered them. My focus was singular—get there, as fast as possible. I couldn’t explain it. But the feeling wouldn’t let go. It pressed against my chest, heavy and relentless, like something was already happening and I was late. “Damn it…”

I load my things in the trunk of my car with the help of a guard and I get into the car with my destination already programmed into the GPS for safety purposes. I am as ready as I can be for the journey. Before I turn the ignition on, I wave to the guard who helped me put my things into the trunk. Smiling and swaying to the beat of my favorite song I cruise down the road with a goal and hopes set in my mind and I can't wait to see my parents. Everything feels like it is going to be okay now. Life will start to look up for me. It will surely be okay.