Escape

"There's no getting over it. In your eyes, I'm just not good enough."

"Now, that's just not true, Leah. Just that, on this occasion, we thought that, well,..."

Leah tuned out. Once more, she had been overlooked and was being served platitudes to keep her placated. She was starting to feel like this was always going to be the case; that she would try, pour all of her into her work, only to be presented with nothing.

She envisioned herself as a fly batting against a window, fruitlessly banging to get out, only to be thwarted. There was only so much a trapped fly could stand before they caved, exhausted, a crisp husk with whiskery legs on a windowsill.

"...and of course, we wouldn't want to lose you..."

Suddenly, Leah knew that she needed a break. Her boss was still wittering on, smiling and preening, and she stood, and without waiting for a pause in his speech said, "I'm taking some leave for two weeks."

Her boss spluttered, "But what about the Anderson account?"

Leah paused, looking directly at her boss, waited a little longer than was comfortable and then shrugged before turning her back and walking out.

***

The drive to the farm took hours but once she was out of the city, she felt like she'd entered a new life.

Aunt Dotty was standing at the front door, waving frantically as she drove up the drive. Her parents would be hurt that she had not come to them for solace but she needed freedom, not advice.

"Leah! Come on in!"

Her aunt hugged her and Leah savoured her earthy smell; farm mixed with home-baked produce. On the table was a feast. Uncle Fred was sitting in a chair, reading a book and smiled at Leah as she came in.

It was so different, Leah realised. This was organic, wholesome; she'd left a world of steel, heat; sharpness, intent on assaulting her.

Jip the collie came with her sheepish smile and nudged her hand.

Aunt Dotty saw the fatigue on Leah's face.

"Stay as long as you want," she said and Leah, in a day of impulsive decisions, knew that she would not be leaving.

***

366 words

Time for a lifestyle change. I don't blame Leah a jot. A treadmill keeps you moving but does it ever take you anywhere? Good for her for jumping off and trying the good, country life. I reckon it will work out for her.

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Yesterday's story, Starlings has not been approved at time of submitting this one but I am still on track with my streak, having written A Story Every Day in 2024, just not now in the right order.

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