The Shell

​

The plaster cracked and fell off in small uneven squares, piece by piece. When the hole was big enough, a limb protruded. It was scratched and cut and bruised as if it was digging through a concrete wall. The hand groped, banged and pulled to enlarge the gap in the shell. The creature seemed restless and anxious to get out of the case. Then a pale pinched face looked through and winced, blinded by the dazzling light. The girl squeezed her almond eyes shut and opened her mouth to gulp for fresh air. When she seemed satisfied, she sniffed and – still blinkingly – tried to open her eyes.

The world outside the shell was bright and colourful. What was even better – it looked enormous! With no boundaries and limits of prejudice. The world that smelled of grass, honey, waves and rainbow.

The face disappeared and once again the hand protruded to smash the rest of the cage. The hand hurt, but she did not care. She had to get out of this plaster case of a house she had spent so much time in. She had to get into the world that sang of life and adventure.