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June 4, 2005

Michele: Tick Tick Tickin' in My Head

I turn to pay for the sunglasses. Two seconds. When I turn back, she is gone.

I scan the store for her yellow shirt. Nothing. I yell her name. Nothing.

The floor tilts. Time sucks in its breath, stops and lurches. Fifteen seconds could be three days. I hear nothing but the roar of panic in my head. A barrage of thoughts: lost, crying, kidnapped, hurt, drugged, her hair dyed, her name changed, sold into child labor, black and white fliers, milk cartons, accusations.

I glimpse yellow. She’s there, tugging on the mannequin’s dress. “Mommy?”

Time lets out its breath.

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Comments

Damn. Now what? I look at my watch at least three hundred times a day. Is today the fourth? Does anybody have a calendar?

Third ring: hello? Hi hon. Where are you?...OK. On your way home get me a new watch...I don't care - just make sure it has a leather band, the date and HANDS. Thanks, I love you. Bye.

Damn traffic. At least there is a clock on the dash.

Garage door opens and closes. Hi babe (kiss). Wow - this is nice, but no leather band. Take it back. I know I have a tan line on my wrist.

Posted by: Dan From Madison at June 4, 2005 6:21 AM · Permalink

Sorry, I posted this in the wrong comment section. I have reposted correctly.

Posted by: Dan From Madison at June 4, 2005 6:43 AM · Permalink

A mother's worst fear. The words flowed nicely and made me feel very much in the moment. Nice write up.

Posted by: Jade at June 4, 2005 3:35 PM · Permalink