They stood in the parking lot. They all looked tired and frustrated.
The mom was agitated about something. The two girls looked way to weary for their ages. Maybe 14 and 9. All three carrying school books, backpacks on their way to a homework assignment? Paper due? School project?
My truck was parked next to them as they had pulled in and I was pulling out. I waited to make certain cars doors opening and closing and shuffling papers and distractions did not cause an unnecessary accident so I put on the Eagles. Hotel California came on. I listened and waited until they gathered all their stuff, made comments or faces at each other appearing to be trying to top the other in who was most tired and annoyed.
Three pale figures shuffling to the bookstore. There was not a happy step, moment, minute anywhere in that scene.
They vanished into the store. I drove off.
The song played on. It is so haunting.
Do we create our own heaven or hell. Do we create our own prison.
In the ageless experiment create a heaven and unlock the doors and windows.