Dipping her paddle expertly, Sara struggled against the increasingly muscular pull of the current. The sun rose, set, and rose again, unnoticed under the moss-choked cypress trees that canopied the dark creek.

Pa’d gotten home from just one night of gambling away the dole; she’d hoped for a week, time enough to get herself free and clear. He must have been unlucky with the cards. No matter. He’d almost killed her last time; she had to go.

Now, having joined the river, Sara knew that if she kept paddling upstream, she’d find clear waters and an anonymous city.

Sanctuary.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2021)

Carrot Ranch Prompt (01/21/2021): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that rephrases “light at the end of the tunnel.” Think of how the cliché replacement communicates a hopeful ending and aligns with your character or story. Go where the prompt leads!