March 15, 2013
"Come inside soon Amanda! Dinner's almost ready." Amanda and her friends continued to scream and play, the height of summer at its best. Amanda's mom came to the door again a few minutes later, and Amanda jumped onto the grass.
"Okay, guys," she laughed. "Time to eat. I'll see you tonight at the party!" She waved at her friends, quickly toweled off, and dashed inside, anticipating the taste of the yeasty bread and sweet grapes she could smell. "Yum, Mom, this looks so good. I'm starving!"
The memory of the splash of the pool and the chlorine-scented water faded, as did the melted butter and ripe strawberries. Oh, what she would give for a home cooked meal now!
Amanda looked down the barren road and, seeing a car approaching, slowly stood up and stuck her thumb out. Maybe this stranger would take pity and share some heat for a few miles. Her story was far from over; that much she knew. If she could make it through this week, she would be ready for anything.
The car sped past and Amanda shook her fist. Where were people's compassion nowadays? Everyone just thought of themselves, with no care for the weak and helpless. Or the weak and hopeless. Amanda snorted, thinking that maybe she was about hopeless. Maybe turning into an icicle wasn't a bad idea after all.
Tires skidded and the bright glow of the brake lights cast a red shadow of Amanda onto the street. She turned her head and saw the car backing up. Maybe there was hope for humanity yet. Maybe there was hope for Amanda yet.