Staring out the single window towards the imprisoning fence, my focus went beyond it and beckoned me to come closer. Freedom danced in my head, enticing me, captivating my thoughts. I boldly walked outside and the fresh air met my face. If I closed my eyes, I felt like I could grow wings and fly over the tall, barbed wire fence. I looked up at the colorful, January sky. It painted a picture of happy times. It reminded me of my childhood. If only I could travel back to those moments now. I thought of the person I used to be. That person was so different. That person ran with the wind, talked to the animals, and loved without fear. That person was free. That person was gone. My heart spilled over with regret. I yearned to be free, like the person I used to be. These thoughts pulled me closer to the fence.

My mind crept into the dark space where the memory of being captured resided. Fear made me release my eyelids from their tight embrace and I jolted back to reality. My eyes traced the barren, dry yard, but again I zeroed in on the what was outside of the fence. The closer I got, the more hope replaced the fear in my heart. Even the smell of the outside of the fence rushed up my nose into my brain. The wind from the outside whispered to keep going, and I followed it’s instructions. It pushed me to a section of the towering, ugly fence where a small hole in the earthy dirt caught my attention. I realized my small body could slip through it. Without pause, I slid under and began to run. I ran, and ran, and ran, but my feet did not grow tired. A new sensation rushed through my body, and the feeling was becoming one with me. It felt strangely familiar, and I recognized it as the person I used to be. It was freedom. I had found exactly what I had desired for so long, and my mind, body, and spirit felt renewed.