Listening to the sounds of the world outside.
Watching the hours and minutes slip past.
Feeling the fear creeping into my heart.

9, 10, 10:30, 11 …
The bars will be closing soon, I hope they are safe.

In the distance I hear the sound of tires screeching.
I hear a siren go past.
I am paralyzed as I strain my ears.
Listening for the sound of their car coming home.

The phone rings.
I jump startled, and trip over the cat in my rush.
"Please, God, let it be them." I whisper to myself.
"Hello?" my voice trembles, sounding foreign.
It's a wrong number.

I return to my watchful post.
Midnight, "the witching hour", has come and gone.
Fear is turning into frenzy.
Where could they be?
Who can I call?
A month of restriction is just a taste of punishment for the anxiety I feel.

A familiar rumble in the distance.
Headlights shine through the window.

Flooded with relief,
I throw open the door,
Spoiling their good night, Oh well.

Finally, safe at home.
Perhaps now sleep will come.

Consequences?
Those will wait until morning.

09/11/1999

Posted on 09/11/1999
Copyright © 2024 Cathlyn Cartier