GIRL IN A TOWER
by Valerie Nielsen
he leans toward her reflection in the rain stained window, dabbing at her painted lips. She pinches her cheeks knowing she can depend on her lifeblood to answer her call. Hadn't she of late felt its heat rush to places she didn't know exist, warming her in ways she hadn't suspected possible?
Resting her head against the cool glass, she searches through the waves of rain looking for her chariot below. She sees the familiar shape of the window ledge, puddles forming in its valleys. How many times had she stared at the cracks in its paint, wondering if she would ever be called on to participate outside her concrete walls?
A horn sounds below.
Locking the door, she slips the key into her purse. Holding the tarnished railing, she lets it guide her down the dim stairwell.
Climbing into the car, she pauses to look up at her apartment window. Cool drops land on her face. She is glad for the rain. Spring is here with all its promise.
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Valerie Nielsen is a writer and teacher from Long Island. She has written numerous works, some of which can be found at The Rose and Thorn Literary Ezine - summer 2004, Long Story Short - April 2005, and Sage of Consciousness - May 2006. Valerie welcomes feedback and can be reached at mustreed@aol.com.