“Have a good day!” The cashier calls after me. Two paper grocery bags fill my arms as I leave. The warm sun hits me in the parking lot, as I make my way to my car. Summers starting already.

I balance a bag on my hip while I scramble for the key fob in my pocket. I hit the alarm button and the car starts to flash and beep.

“Oh damn it…!” I hiss out, nearly dropping both bags. I free the key and manage to unlock the car. I nearly throw the bags in the back before taking a breath. I really didn’t want to pick everything off the floor.

I get in, slamming the door just a tad too hard.

The car was stuffy, air lukewarm. The smell of hot plastic making my head throb.

My fingers flex around the steering wheel. Pushing into the fake leather. I lean my head against the head rest, closing my eyes. I take just a moment, for myself. Before I’ll have to return to chaos at home.

I take a slow deep breath, and let it go.