She wanted to look back so badly. The pain in her chest was real and she found it hard to breathe.

“Just one last look” she said to herself as she slowly turned around, eyes clenched tightly. She stood motionless and slowly opened her eyes.

Was this really happening? Or would she suddenly wake up and discover she was safe and sound and warm in her own bed and it was all just a terrible nightmare.

She closed her eyes again. “I can’t do this!” But she had no choice. Yes, this was real, this was really happening.

Taking one last look, her eyes spilling hot tears down her freckled face, she gathered all the courage she could find deep in her soul and turned to walk down the lonely street toward the unknown.