An Exit to Paradise

An Exit to Paradise The pressure of today has gotten to me. My job feels like an overbearing weight upon my back. The world feels as if it will never allow me to catch up. I feel my heart being thrust into the atmosphere like a rock hurdled into the sky. I reach for it, but my grasp is to slow. So I watch it blend into the shadows of space. It twinkles for just a moment between the darkness and stars, as if to say goodbye one last time. It's five O'clock, I can finally step out of my office and breathe some air. I'm walking down the hall to the exit, I can see the exit only a few more steps and I'm free. The glass doors shimmer from the evening sun. Casting shadows beneath the trees just outside. I long to bask in such shadows with a drink in hand and nothing but the wind. But as I leave and my hand touches the handle of the exit a voice calls my name, "Aires!" I want to keep walking but I know who it is and I know they know I heard. I he...