Breaking Free

The door closes. I am alone. Flames lap against the passive turf transforming the blackness of peat to radiant red. Residual shreds of warmth caress the bareness of my legs. I offer another sod and stare as it succumbs to the embrace of the fire. Background noises threaten - barely audible through the security of double glazing. From the bedroom close by, an intermittent cough intrudes .

From the confines of the fireplace, smoke wisps curl into the obscurity of the chimney. I see her then as I always do, her face coquettish in the smoke. She dances, swirling madly to an unheard tune. The frenzied folds of her dress reveal cameos of youngsters holding hands, of storm clouds
black and thunderous, of waves that splash upon the distant shores. She smiles, she beckons. In the reflection of her eyes, I soar above the chimney confines, flying free. For one half crazy moment I want to plunge into the flames and follow in her radiance.

From the bedroom close by comes another feeble cough. I open my eyes. The flames have subsided into glowing embers.

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