Bon’s Echo

“Not without a fight!” I whispered, whipping around. In an insane, adrenalin fueled drive I grabbed my backpack and sprinted toward the back of the house. With only a few feet to freedom I tripped over a short filing cabinet. Crashing to the floor I quickly struggled to my feet just as the doorbell rang. My stomach turned and I stumbled the remaining distance, yelling…..”I gotta’ go! I love you Steve!” Flying out the back door, across the overgrown yard and down the alley. I felt the cold night air and the darkness covered me with security and hope. With nowhere to go and no one to keep me company, I ran, turning down no name streets. With the sound of footsteps behind me I became panic stricken and disoriented. I ran faster but the footsteps drew closer still. The streetlights became fewer and farther apart and the dark overwhelmed me. I couldn’t see where my feet were falling and I couldn’t help stumbling. My muscles were giving out, threatening to fail me and I felt like I was suffocating. Suddenly, like a match in a pitch room, the lights of a railroad crossing sign began flashing. Feeling like a lost sailor finally beholding harbor lights, I pushed on to conquer the remaining fifty yards. The train pulled onto the street and down the track like a Chinese dragon with continuous cars like yards of fabric. I sprinted down the street to meet it by its side, watching as it moved with heavy grace. Humbled by its quake, my body shook with exhilaration and my heart drummed to its orchestra of rhythmic sounds. I stood entranced for several moments, then, without a single thought secured myself to the ladder welded to the train car. As I was carried away I looked back to the empty street wondering if my pursuer was factual. I held on trying to catch my breath along with reality. The train headed out of Denver and the car jerked forward with the increase of speed. Taken by surprise my feet slipped from the ladder rung and I dangled helplessly from perspiring hands. Feet kicking with the desperate search of something to step on and my backpack lusting for gravity. My eyesight blurred and the world became obscured and distorted. I was falling, but as if in a dream someone grabbed me, pulling me to safety.