Ian Kippax

Hero's Journey

The day started like any other, wake up, roll off my futon, turn on the lights, which would scare the cockroaches back into their hiding places. I did this so I didn’t have to see them but boy did I know they were there. I took my minimal shower and got dressed in my waitress uniform. I know what you’re thinking this is going to be another wondered eye girl leaves suburban home to move to the big city with big dreams of fame and riches only to land on her butt in the food serving industry. Well then again, you would be half right only on the part about on my butt in the food service industry yet no I didn’t come to the city on flights of fancy. I came on the wings of getting out of the system and leaving the vultures that claim they love you but only notice you on the day of the month you get your check and food stamps. Not my life anymore, no way! I might only make peanuts but those peanuts are mine. Anyway, I just got my new found freedom a little under a month ago when I aged out. So, my little cockroach infested apartment was my castle though I would be eating sparsely like a college freshman budget for a while. It was heaven sent, to have a space I didn’t have to share with anyone. Probably now you’re thinking I have some sob story about parents dying tragically or drug addicts who traded me for some blow… those would be better than the fact I was just abandoned at the hospital. I have to chronically tell myself good ridden, they didn’t leave me I left them. After letting my mind meander over my past and I poured a bowl of knock off Cinnamon Toast Crunch. God, how I wished it was the name brand cause it tastes better and the cartoon character is cuter but it fills the tank so down the hatch. That was when there was a firm commanding knock at my door. It was too early for my neighbors who fought through the paper-thin walls. I didn’t think it was the manager cause I know I was paid through the end of the month. As I sat there contemplating who on earth was at the door, my brain kicked me into gear saying ‘all well answer it you buffoon’. I carefully stood on my tiptoes trying to peek through the eye hole thingy only to see strapping chest in blue. Ladies don’t always open a door for a yummy chest but anyway I opened the door and was greeted by three marines in their military uniforms. The one with the chiseled chest stained at me with his deep ocean blue eyes, Miss Williams?