a little patch of blue sky

he awoke with a start, feeling something amiss. but a cursory glance revealed nothing. he was still in the cold dank room, locked away from the outside world. he moved his legs again, and suddenly it dawned on him, the shackles on his feet had vanished. he was free!

he struggled to his feet, taking time to find his balance after being on the floor for so long. stumbling towards the door, he gingerly twisted the door knob, hands quivering with excitement.

the creak of the door was the most welcome sound he had heard in ages, and he burst outside, savouring the sweet air of freedom. it seemed to be early morning, with a slight mist hanging in the air. he didnt know where he was, or where to go; but it didnt matter. all he wanted was to leave that prison behind.

there seemed to be a light in the distance. a town perhaps. where he could get help. get home. he started running, his legs gradually finding back their strength. however, as he ran, the light seemed to dim. the fog seemed to get thicker, and suddenly, the light couldnt be seen anymore.

he spun around, trying to get his bearings, but there was nothing in sight, not a tree, not a hill. not even his former place of incarceration could be seen. the fog seemed to settle and become denser, enveloping him entirely.

panic and regret started to swell in his heart. but he managed to box them up.
compartmentalization


just keep moving, and i'll get out of here. at least i'm free, right?


he ran

and ran

and ran


sometimes the swirling haze would clear, inviting him forward, but once he thought he was making progress, he would realize that he had once again lost track of where he was

time seemed to scrunch up like an old cheap carpet, collapsing onto itself. he didnt know for how long he had been lost. days? weeks? or maybe just hours?


exhausted, he flopped onto the ground, knowing that eventually, one of them would come to take him

he silently prayed that she would be the one.