Chapter 37

The highway stretched in front of me like a concrete ribbon weaving through the fields. I’d opened the window a crack, and the wind crackled and roared in my ear, drowning out the radio. I glanced over at the books on the passenger seat, and a glow of satisfaction spread through me.

Even as I drove to Edelburg, the tangible reality that I was free, I could leave, made me shiver with excitement. I’d drive back and forth to university until I found a place to live. Then I’d come back once in a while on weekends to check on the house. Maybe I’d sell it or rent it out. Mim would help. But soon I’d leave Edelburg behind and make my life in Winnipeg.

I thought of my mom as I drove. I could invite her over to see my apartment, or my dorm room. The tearful reunion I thought would never happen, would. We’d have a shaky beginning at first, full of hiccups and awkward, guilt-filled silences. But over the years, a bond would grow, and we’d be able to look at each other without any silent accusations or apologies.

And I would write about it – all of it. It would be my story to tell.