by Tracy A. Moore

Created on: August 16, 2010

Ever since she was fourteen years old, Linnie could not wait to move away from her small country town. All of her peers were into cheerleading, sports, hunting and fishing which all caused an overwhelming sense of boredom in her. Linnie loved art, writing, and music. Unfortunately none of these were very well represented in her community. She resolved early to get out and not look back.

High school dragged on with Linnie trying to get as much out of it as possible. She wanted to take as many classes as she could find that served her interests so that she could get into a good arts college. Her after school job at the local diner was hard work, but was allowing her to stash away much needed money. Her dad was a blue collar man and her mother stayed at home, so there was no financial help for college from her parents. There was no resentment, only more determination to have a better life than they did.

By the time graduation rolled around, there was a nice little nest egg for her to supplement the scholarships that she had earned. The last several weeks had been spent packing her things, and the last of it was finally done. Tomorrow was moving day and she was excited as she put the last box into the trunk of the used car she had bought last year.

Linnie awoke to the scent of bacon cooking and fresh coffee brewing downstairs. She smiled as she put her slippers on and headed for the kitchen. They did not hear her walk in, so for a few moments she stood watching her mother and father smile warmly into one another’s eyes as they talked quietly. Breakfast was delicious and the three of them savored the time together. After the dishes were done, her mother told her that she had better get on the road soon if she wanted to make it before dark.

Looking in the rearview mirror as she went down the driveway, her eyes filled with tears. As much as this place and it’s lack of culture bored her, she realized that she had always been surrounded by people that loved her, which was something that was to be treasured. She pulled off the road to collect herself before slowly driving off to her new life.

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