The Road to Freedom

The day Shila decided it was time for them to leave, the clouds overhead turned dark and ominous. Her best friend, Hayley, looked at her anxiously.

“Are you sure about this? Can’t we just let the storm pass and then hit the road? I don’t see what the big hurry is,” Hayley said, throwing her suitcase in the trunk.

The wind whipped at Shila’s long, dark hair. She smiled at Hayley and squeezed her hand. “Did you know my name means thunder? I’m not afraid of that storm. In fact, I welcome it. The rain will wash us clean of this place.”

Hayley slid into the passenger seat. She could never resist Shila’s enthusiasm or her ability to persuade Hayley to do pretty much anything.

Their car pulled out of town, heading west. They drove down the dark highway, the lightening striking ahead, turning the world a light purple. Shila could see the rain falling in the distance. The storm was coming at them, or they were coming to the storm. Either way, she felt excited, exhilarated.

Shila let out a loud “Whoooo!” and accelerated. “Here we go!” she shouted. “We are free at last!”

Hayley’s stomach was in knots, but she felt a happy delirium wash over her. Together, they shouted for joy.

Image credit; Ryan Lansdown @ Pexels

This photo shows dramatic nighttime lightening over open road. The sky is covered with gray and purple clouds.

What do you see # 329- 23 February, 2026