The Door to Anywhere

Daily Prompt: (Your local electronics store has just started selling time machines, anywhere doors, and invisibility helmets. You can only afford one. Which of these do you buy, and why?)

“Linda, where are you going?”

“I don’t know. Anywhere. Just somewhere other than here!”

“When will you be back?”

“When I’m done with Anywhere.”

“What are you going to do?”

“How will I know until I get there? Anything can happen in Anywhere.”

“Why are you leaving?”

“I’m not, not really. I just need a little break, so I’m going Anywhere that I don’t have to cook, clean, do laundry, sweep floors, clean bathrooms, make beds, go grocery shopping, do the finances, clear my desk, answer mail, file stuff, lose weight, exercise, talk to people who don’t want to listen, or answer silly questions.”

“Well—can’t I go too?

“No! Get your own door to Anywhere! I just need to be alone for a while!”

I turn the knob, inching it to the left, and peek through the tiny crack to Anywhere. All I see is swirling white mists and clouds. I turn the knob all the way and open the door wide so I can see more, but there’s still nothing to help me know where Anywhere is taking me. Heart hammering, I creep through the open doorway, wondering what my feet will touch when the door closes.

Overwhelmed with delight, my feet tell me that the sand is warm and soft. My nose tells me there are tropical flowers and trees nearby. My ears tune in to the gentle wash of foamy blue water, and my eyes adjust to air so clear that the colors all around me are too intense. Sunglasses plop onto my face, and I realize I’m wearing a cover-up over my swim suit.

A sand chair is waiting for me, or I could choose the hammock swinging from the palm tree nearby. Beside the chair is a low table holding a pitcher of Southern sweet tea, a tumbler full of ice, and a bowl of fruit. Beside the chair, there is a big tote bag.

Wonder what’s in the bag? Only one way to find out. The sun warms me as I toe through the white sand. Reaching the bag, I am excited to see at least two dozen books I’ve been wanting to read but haven’t had the time. Tucked in with the books is my iPod Shuffle with my earbuds.

I think I love Anywhere. I think I’ll stay for a while.

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