Bound By A Dragon

"Are you sure you want to do this, Sabbie?" I've lost count of how many times Mom has asked me this same question. And my answer is always the same. "Yes, Mom. More than sure." Mom is standing in the doorway of my bedroom, her arms tight around herself. I understand her worry. She wants what is best for me but she struggles to understand that what I know to be best for me is not the life she wants for me. "Explain it all to me again, please." I sigh and put down the box I just picked up. "Alice arranged it all, Mom. I've got an interview at the same company she works at. I'll be staying with her until I get my first paycheck." "And you're absolutely certain you can trust her?" "Mom, you've known Alice her whole life. Her folks go to our church." "Yes, but she left town two years ago. There's no knowing what the city has done to her." And there it is. The reason why I had to get out of this place. To the inhabitants of Portsville, the world outside the town might as well not exist. To them everything and everyone beyond the town borders is not to be trusted. From the moment you are born, your life is decided for you. At first this wasn't noticeable. As a young child it is normal for your parents to decide what you wear, where you go and who you see. But when you reach your teenage years, this becomes more and more restrictive. Many of the young people accept their fates, so by the time adulthood comes along, they fall into the roles chosen for them. For some of us, however, this just never seems like the right thing to do. After a while the only thing left to do is to leave town. This is never an easy choice to make because once you're out, you're out. Once you leave town, you're never welcomed back. A few years ago a young man left for the big city. When his parents died he came back, tried to take over his family's shop in town. The business failed within a few months because not one person ever set foot in the store. It might be difficult to leave but it is impossible to come back. My mom knew this. My own father had barely spoken ten words to me since I announced my leaving. "She didn't become the enemy just because she left town, mom. And it's not like we won't ever see each other again. I'm having no one's Christmas dinner but yours." I tried to lighten the atmosphere but it was no use. "Did Dad go fishing?" "You know he's not good with goodbyes, Sabbie." "You and I both know that is not why he's not here." I couldn't help it, a nasty tone entered my voice and Mom could see the hurt on my face. "Your choices affect more than just yourself, Sabrina." Mom's tone matched my own. "So do yours. Why can't you see that this is what I need? Why can't you be happy for me?" My temper had been simmering since early this morning when I heard Dad's truck back out of our drive. Now it was fast approaching boiling over point. "You can be happy here. This town, our community can give you peace of mind and security. Nothing in the city will do the same. Why do you fight against us?" "There is more to life than making ends meet and Sunday lunches, Mom. I need to find myself. I need to know who I am, why I'm here." "It is precisely that attitude that is leading young people the world over astray! You think you'll find purpose and happiness by being self indulgent. Well I've got news for you, my daughter. That road will only lead to misery. You will always want more, be more. Nothing will ever be enough!" "I'm done with this conversation, mom. If you really think so lowly of me, then it's really for the best that I go." "Maybe it is." I knew my mother's words struck out of anger but they hurt nonetheless. Alone, I packed the last suitcase into my car. There was nothing left to distract me now. The tears began before my car door closed.