Pictures

Where the End Began

I ran so fast that the wind stung my eyes and dried my tears as they fell. I didn't know where I was going, but I ran anyway. I just wanted to be away from everyone.
The doctor's words rang in my head. "I'm sorry for your loss", "She's in a better place now" and every other sappy cliché you can think of. I knew his words were empty. He didn't really care, he probably said those things 10 times a day. So I ran.
I ran along the city streets, cars rushing past and people staring as I zoomed by. But I didn't care. Nothing mattered at that moment except that I get away from everybody. Even when my lungs became too weak and my legs grew too tired to keep going, I ran.
I spotted at a familiar park near by and rested under a willow tree my mother and I used to have picnics under. I couldn't believe she was gone. I felt as if my whole world had collapsed beneath me and I was left alone and empty. I cried some more. I cried until tears would no longer come. No one was around so it was okay to show this kind of pain.
I wondered what would happen to me. My mom and dad had divorced when I was a baby so it was just me and her. Would I go to him? I hadn't even met him before. Would I even like him?
Just then I saw someone walking towards me. As they drew closer I began to see them a bit clearer. A woman with wavy, brown hair. She was wearing a pants-suit and glasses with thin, black rims. I was a bit scared that a mysterious stranger was walking my way, but for some reason I stayed where I was. The lady stopped in front of me and crouched down.
"Hello, Joanna," she said. "My name is Marie Rutledge." Marie held out her hand.
"Who are you? How do you know my name?" I asked, avoiding her gesture.
"I work for the Child Protection Service. I'm here to take you to your new home."
"And where would that be?"
"You'll be living with your father in New York. Come with me, please."
I got up and followed her to her car. She opened the back door for me and I got in. She took me to my house and told me to pack everything I needed and then we went to the airport. I went alone so the plane ride was silent except for my music. Soon I would meet my dad and my life would change forever. But for the time being, I slept.