J. A. Groth

An Inconsequential Life

She had an inconsequential life. It was plain, but steady. A simple slice of American life. It was a life they had worked hard to create, her and the man she had married. They had a long shared history filled with love, joys, sorrows and disappointments. She had lovely daughters and darling grandchildren. The last daughter at home was almost 13. After raising children for 30 years, she was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe soon she would be able to climb out of the box. She could imagine unfolding her body, straightening her back and stretching her arms to the sky. Her eyes sparkled. She could feel herself take that very first breath of life, feeling the knowledge of herself brand new. Shame and confusion swiftly washed the vision away. She loved her children. She loved her husband. She loved her life.