Christina Cantone, Short Story 2 Revised

As I was driving home from class all I could think about was today’s events. The car was so suffocating with thoughts running through my head, it felt hard to breathe. I decided to pull over on the side of the road, taking my bag and the quilt I kept in the back of my truck. I walked into the trees of the forest. Before I knew it, not too far in there was a clearing that was right off the cliff side with the most amazing view. Setting down my quilt and bag I laid down, my eyes facing the bright blue sky. Even looking at the clouds couldn’t get me out of my own head. It felt like I was my own worst enemy at the moment. The warm sunlight peeked through the tops of the trees. I slowly exhaled the deep breath I took.

I covered my eyes for a minute to block out the blinding light of the sun. I tried to calm my racing heart and mind but I couldn’t. I decided to try to focus on the world around me in hopes it could be a distraction. The birds chirp as they sing their songs flying through the air, the squirrels russling when they jump from tree to tree, the firm soil beneath the quilt, the warm breeze that engulfs my entire body. 

I heard a small bell that was out of place. I sat up to see a fluffy orange house cat walk towards me, his piercing gaze was staring into my soul. The cat plopped down next me while purring. The collar on the cat was light blue with a tag that said “Mr. Mittens” on one side and on the other said “not lost,  just traveling”. I decided to pet the overly friendly cat who rolled over. He was enjoying the sunlight and the attention he was receiving. 

Looking at Mr. Mittens  “Do you mind if I tell you about my problems, but promise it will be a secret between us”. In response I got a “meow” from the fluffy little creature beside me. “Alright here I go” taking  a deep breath as I smelled the scent of pine coming from the trees. “ It starts  like this, I take one step forward and two steps back” I let out a sigh “I’m not trying to be perfect but just trying to find some solid ground to stand on”. I look up at a cloud blocking out the once bright light. 

“Today for example I got back a test I failed, got a coffee spilled on me, and finally to finish the day I tripped on the walkway and scraped up my knees”. I looked up at the sky for a second before I continued “today everything has been going wrong. Aren’t Fridays supposed to be good days?”  As I said all of my grievances of the day the sun started to shine from behind the clouds once more. Mr. Mittens gave another small “meow”. “Thank you for just listening and keeping me company. I think talking about it has helped me a little” I gave him some scratches behind the ears which he looked to be enjoying. The cat let out a small yawn, and decided to take a nap. 

I laid back down and shut my eyes for a second. When I opened them I looked around and Mr. Mittens was gone. “I guess you had to be on your way, good luck on your travels, Hopefully we will one day  meet again”. As I look up at the slow moving clouds I think to myself “Maybe tomorrow will hold better things”.