Escape

I watched him sleeping.  Watched the rise and fall of his chest. Mouth slightly parted, his breathing deep.  1

I cleaned one last time.  Emptied ash trays, gathered beer cans. Washed his dishes.  Left the laundry.  It would occupy him when he wakes to find me gone.  2

I picked up his bill fold, fallen as it had under the coffee table.3

Picked up his lighter and the pack of Marlboros.  Gathered his coins from their haphazard hiding places in and on the carpet.  Lay them in eyeshot.  That was always his first worry....where everything was from the night before.  4

Not long from now he would wake in a stupor.  Raise his head, survey the room.  Sit up groggily, put his head in his hands, trying to clear the fog.  He'd call for me...ask for breakfast.  Always the same.  Eggs overeasy  and sardines.  5

I thought about leaving a note.  Decided against it.  I leaned to kiss his cheek, didn't.  Afraid of waking him.  I picked up my suitcase,6

Fished my keys out of my jean pocket, making no noise.7

Turned one last time.  "Goodbye, Daddy.   I love you"..a whisper.8

I locked the trailer door, headed toward the bus stop.9