This Place of Wonder

by Barbara O'Neal

But what I see now is that I didn’t just wait. I tried to open a window and stood by the door and screamed whenever I heard someone in the hallway. I yelled until someone finally heard me and broke down the door and let me out. I couldn’t manage the door, but I could use my voice. I can do this. I press my hand over my belly. “I’m so sorry, baby. That won’t happen again, I promise.” And I know it won’t. I just know.