A Simple Walk
Every day she takes a walk. Where she's going is nowhere in particular. She takes these walks to clear her mind. To get away from the chaos inside. The constant arguments between her mother and father have started to take their toll. She takes a walk, everyday, to simply escape. As she begins to walk into town, her senses become alive. The bright lights. Loud jazz. The alluring smell of spices coming from every corner. She drifts into another world. Cloves, oh how sweet and strong. She is now watching herself inside of a bakery shop. Preparing sweets and cakes. She is there alongside an older man. She can see herself giggling as she accidently wipes flour on her face. The older man laughs as he grabs a towel. She continues to walk. Garlic. Pungent, yet enticing. She is now on the steets of Italy. With a group of friends, they have stopped to sample a treat. The young, handsome waiter flashes a smile at her which makes her blush. Peppermint. A soothing smell. She is now in her home. Her mother is there, preparing tea. She is telling her about the latest gossip and celebrity news. Her mother's sweet laugh comes closer as she brings in the tea. Fish. Rotten. She is now at sea. Battling the high winds and rapid waters. "We told you this is no place for a girl!" is what all the fishermen yelled. But she will stand her ground and make everyone proud. Nothing. Diminished. The scents have subsided. Her fantasies are a thing of the past. She is now back where she started. Her house. Her family. Empty smells. Empty thoughts. This is the reason behind her walks. So that she is able to smell those smells and allowed to have those thoughts. She goes inside and closes off her mind. Until the morning comes and she is able to take a simple walk. A simple walk that will take her so far.
Jeanine Nicole