Time and time again I told myself I'd get out of this town. Escpae was inevitable, it really was. Really. You don't believe me? Come on, why?

See here I am at the door, with my bag slung over my shoulder. It weighs, yes, like a ton of bricks. Ugh.

Sandy has taped her good luck charm - the epic rabbit foot she stole from her Uncle back when she was six - to its side.

She kisses it for extra good luck and then she kisses me.

Her copper skin crackles particles between us and she pulls away. I wipe her tear off my cheek and wave.

The forecast is sunny. It calls for nothing but sun and clear blue skies for the next week. The next week out... out in the wide open spaces.