Walking away

When the chatter in her head felt oppressive, she’d walk away from it if she could – into daylight, open sky, green spaces.

Sometimes she’d resist the urge till nightfall, and set off on the main road: streetlights, headlights, pavement. As far as the swimming pool once, then right on impulse: unknown streets. Ended up on a dark path, up concrete steps. Where am I?

Bats over water… Lifford Reservoir! Industrial rumblings on the other side. Started to walk round… spotted a shadowy human group ahead (nefarious activity? threat?) – swift U-turn.

Brisk steps. Woodland path. Unknown stream.

Eventually, home.