Running Away to Paradise

Why does the world seem to be so wrong?
Where are the answers to it all?
The nights are cruel, and the days are long.
Wondering when you'll stop your fall.
And you say,
"I want to run away to paradise.
No pain, no hurt, nothing to agonize.
I want to run away to paradise.
Will you come with me tonight?"

Is it wrong to want to run away?
Can you just leave it all behind?
Is there any worth in trying to stay?
These thoughts are drowning out my mind.
And I say,
"I want to run away to paradise.
No pain, no hurt, nothing to agonize.
I want to run away to paradise.
Will you come with me tonight?"

The Wizard's Apprentice and the Girl

"Why are you lying up on the roof?"

Hal rose from his spot to spy a girl standing on the path that ran into town. He returned his gaze to the sky and said, "Because up until this moment, no one ever bothered me while I was up here."

"This is the wizard's house. Are you the apprentice?"

"Yes, and I'm studying."

"Studying? Without books?"

"Silly girl! A wizard's books are the elements themselves!" Hal spread his arms out toward the sky for emphasis.

"It looks to me like you're cloud watching."

Hal folded his arms, "So?"

"May I join you?"

Saving Money Part Two

Continued from "Saving Money"
~~~

I brought my purchase up to counter as casually as possible. The employee spied my cup and then her bloodshot eyes took hold of my eyes and peered deep into my soul. The words I dreaded to hear croaked out in emphysema-laden breaths, "Is that coffee in the cup?"

That's it, I thought, the jig is up. She knows I just filled the cup with creamer, effectively saving myself 53 cents by avoiding the overpriced grocery market. "Yes," I said in a completely unconvincing voice.

"One twenty-seven," she said.

I quickly paid and made off with my prize. The perfect crime!

Indecision

The door closed with a slow creak and a deafening click. Just like that she was gone, and I just let her leave.

I stood there staring at the door; not sure of what I expected to happen. I wasn't even sure of what I wanted to happen. Was it supposed to be this easy? Should I follow her? Should I wait and see if she comes back?

Every moment I let slip away, the farther she slipped away. Every moment that passed, the realization that she wasn't coming back crushed my heart little by little.

And I just stood there.