Worth a try

Chapter 1
Worth a try

The door falls shut behind me. I zip up my jacket and turn the keys in the lock.

I start to walk.

Come on, it’s only a few blocks. It’ll be fine..

I turn the corner. Traffic light. I wait for it to go green. It does.

Lots of people around this time of day. Suits, just out of the office. Housewife with a kid in a stroller. A group of teenagers laughing their heads off about something on an iPhone.

Just one more block.

Almost there.

More traffic lights. I suppress the urge to fidget while I stand still waiting.

Green again. I walk.

Supermarket, just ahead.

’

See? Just going to get some groceries, go home. Nothing to worry about.

I walk in. Music. Smells. Vegetables, coffee and Tailor Swift all blended together. It’s warmer here.

I feel naked. Better hurry.

Bread department. One loaf, brown. Dairy fridge. Pack of milk. Bag of chips on a shelf I walk by.

Yeah, why not..

Into the basket.

Now to the register. Past the personal hygiene aisle.

Look away, don’t need that anymore.

Long line. Stuck behind a fat lady with a full cart. Four more in front.

Shit..

Slow moving. Old guy taking his time counting bills.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Finally, my turn. Pretty girl cashier. Bleep bleep. ’Cash or card?’

I pay.

C’m on, I’m 22 years old. I can do this.

’Do you want the receipt?’

I hesitate.

She looks down, surprised.

Damn! I knew it.

Dark stain on my pants. Puddle at my feet.

Should have worn my diaper after all.