She’s a young bird tangled in a wire. In the dark.
Winter’s gritty winds whip her about as she tries to dodge the sharp, shredding claws of her predator. Her struggle is painful and desperate.
Near exhaustion, she finally rips free, winging slowly toward a light growing in the distance, hoping she’ll make it to Spring.
Seconds later, bright sunlight slams her awake. Again.
“Time to get up,” her mother’s fingernails grip her shoulder.
This evening, at bedtime, Judith leaves open the balcony doors.
And promises herself: Tonight.