Prompt #11

49. Doesn't matter where you begin, you'll end up back here.
50. If you don't believe I'm leaving, you can count the days I'm gone.


One very scared twenty year old girl. A U-Haul containing every last possession. Three packs of cigarettes. Four hours of sleep. Seven states going south. Thirteen hours. Dozens of interstates and eight lane highways. No CD player, countless local radio stations.
“I’m moving to Philadelphia. I leave the seventh.” “No I don’t have a job there yet.” “Of course I’ll be back eventually.” “I’m moving into Amy’s place. They have a spare bedroom.” “Yes, I’ll go to college once I get down there.” “Yes it’s for real.” “No, it’s not my first choice, it’s my only choice.” “Yes I know, I am excited I’m going, I just don’t like the circumstances.” Through the tears: “I’m going to miss you so much.” “I wish I didn’t have to go.” “Bye.”
One year and two months later:
Four Hundred and Forty-Four Days Later:
One very happy girl. One older sister. One very cramped mother. A Grand Jeep Cherokee containing every last possession. One pack of cigarettes. Six hours of sleep. Seven states going north. Eleven hours. A dozen or so interstates and eight lane highways. One CD player, countless CDs.
“Yeah I’m coming home, I’m leaving on the twenty-fourth.” “No, I don’t have a job, or a car.” “I’m going to stay on Emily’s couch until I get on my feet.” “I was enrolled at PCC, but withdrew when I decided to move home.” “Yes, I promise I will go to college once I get back.” No, I’m really not joking.” “This is most definitely what I want to be doing. This is my choice.” YES, I’m excited. Going home is all I’ve thought about for the last 15 months.” With a huge smile on my face “I’m back.”