Trapped

I want to run screaming from this burning building, but its flames have got me trapped. I know to stay would surely be the end of me, but I'm hypnotized by this exotic dance. The flames, they dance around me and whisper in my ear, "You're not strong enough, or good enough, or pretty enough to make it out of here."

I wonder if it's truly the flames that are talking or maybe, just maybe, they're manifestations of my fear. Realization turns to courage. A small ripple that turns into a wave. I take a step towards the door, making my intentions known. I'm leaving. You can't stop me. My life is my own.

But my courage never lasts too long, two steps is all I take. The flames grow taller, biting at my ankles. The pain reminds me of my place, why I must stay: I'm too weak to make it on my own. The crackle and pop of the flames sweet talk me, "It won't hurt if you remain in place. Don't move forward. Don't move back. Don't get too close, we'll keep you safe."

I do as I'm told and stay in place. That's what good girls do. I don't know how I got here. Standing in this place. Afraid to move forward. Nothing to look back at. Living to please, but barely living.

My thoughts are an endless stream of noise in my head. Constantly talking. Always distracting. Reason lost its place a long time ago in the muddled mess of my mind. I sink to the ground, get as small as I can. For the first time ever I block out the noise.

Silence is golden. The picture is clearer now. I look around my prison of flames. Was that fire extinguisher always there? The flames laugh and they wink. All you had to do was quiet your mind, they seem to say.

All this time I had the power to save myself? I can't believe I never saw it.

I pull the trigger and sweep from side to side. The flames have one final thing to say, Fear is the builder of prisons. The only thing that traps you is you.