Janet's Missing Locket

With all hype and scare going on, somehow Janet had dropped her treasured locket. It was the most important thing to her. A long time ago someone very special, gave her the locket. She carried it everywhere with her. It was almost like a good luck charm.

While rushing home she carried it in her hand, for it had fallen off earlier that morning. During hard times like this, it gave her comfort during the day to rub it in her hand. Soothing her soul, as she wondered about the future. What lies ahead she thought? So much has gone on during the apocalypse, times were tough. Food and water rations were very strict, as well as human contact. Living alone was very tough but manageable, with the strict rules. Being set free out in the world once again, almost felt magical.

What would she do? Will she go back to her regular job that she had prior? How much things had changed, everyone was worried about the future. Dust storms kicked up in the field beside her. As she walked down the sidewalk, everything was so over grown and dead looking. There were so many beautiful gardens that smelled amazing. Now it is all gone.

The day was slowly slipping into night. Trying to back track was starting to become difficult. The daylight was turning into shadows, making it feel gloomy and dull. She needed the light to reflect on her locket, that would be the only way to find it. What if someone picked it up already? Fear ran through her veins. Worry had started to kick in as she rushed down the street. Most of the citizens had already gone inside, for the evening. It was so strange to be outside prior to dark. There were noises rustling in the bushes. Oh my, what is in there she thought. Trying to be brave and continue on, the noise became louder. It really spooked her, taking her breath away. Standing very still, she tried to figure out what the noise was. After a terrifying minute, out popped a skunk looking for his next meal. Just don't move, she told herself. The skunk wandered around in front of her, now turned in her direction. In the background she could hear noises of people breaking windows. Looters she thought, not a safe time to be outside. She slowly turned around in fear from the skunk and the crowd headed her way. Knowing that she needed to make a break for it, she started walking. This walk gradually turned into a run, out of breath but safe.

After entering the apartment building, she could smell freshly baked bread. Oh how good it smelled. Wishing she had a warm piece with butter, that would make her day. Comfort food is all she could think about, along with her locket. First thing in the morning she promised herself, that she would continue the search. Feeling tired and overwhelmed, she grabbed a sandwich, with a glass of water. Headed out on the deck to see if a sparkle of light, would gust give her a glimpse of where the locket could be. It was like torture not knowing where it was. Why did I just happen to be so clumsy? What was I thinking? After sitting out on the deck for awhile, she started to feel cold and defeated. It was time to get some rest, just maybe she would remember the feeling of it falling to the ground. Maybe she heard it make a sound when it landed. Just maybe that special someone would come to her in a dream. Tell her where it is, help her find it. Oh how she wished it would come true.

The morning came early, so tired. Terrified that she just might never find it. She grabbed her outfit, and grabbed some sneakers. Tying the sneakers up as fast as she could, running to the door. Almost forgetting her key to get back in. She grabbed the keys and a sweater, locking the door behind her. It is amazing how fast your mind rushes when panic sets in. Jogging down the stairs, trying not to make to much noise. It reminded her of the time she had to sneak out. Feeling terrified, sneaking down the stairs. Just hoping nobody would hear her. During the apocalypse getting caught was the worst thing that could happen. Imagine hearing shouting and sirens. People crying, screaming for just one person to help them. All the memories flooded back, bringing tears to her eyes. She paused on the stairs for a moment. Telling herself "it's ok". "Nobody is going to hurt you". "We are all free once again." She repeated it over and over. Then she heard a door open. Jumping out of her skin, she decided to get moving. Feeling uneasy, she managed to get enough courage. Once outside a slight breeze rushed across her skin. It felt so refreshing, helping her escape her fears. There was a task at hand, not going home tonight without it.

Slowly retracing her steps, she listened to the birds. The sun was just coming up. The rays of light warmed her skin. It felt so amazing, so many great memories flooded her mind. Carefully walking down the street, there was a horrible smell. I would really hate to have been to person who scared that skunk, she thought to herself. Covering her sleeve over her nose, kind a made it bearable. Tears burned in her eyes, for the smell was so strong. After about an hour she could see a shinny object sparking down the street. This just made her break out in a jog, to get there as fast as she could. All she could think was, Hopefully it is my locket". After closer inspection it was not her cherished locket. Just a piece of broken glass from the night before. She walked slowly down the street, the sound of waves crashing along the shoreline drew her to the waters edge. Taking off her sneakers so she could feel the sand on her feet. Oh, how it felt so good, soft and cool. After a while she decided to sit down, running the sand through her fingers. It felt so relaxing, taking her mind off of the locket. Knowing that we all make silly mistakes. The locket just had to show up sometime, she just felt it in her heart.