she was walking
down the road
alone
a backpack
over a shoulder
tears
in her eyes
i saw her
approached cautiously
she had the look
of a deer
in the woods
that heard a branch
snap
escape
written in her
bright blue eyes
as she stared
at me
we made small talk
for a moment
her eyes saying
more
than her lips
could manage
there was no
reason
to be walking
out in the country
with her life
in a bag
unless
she was running away
from something
we both knew it
she smiled
partially
as she continued
down the road
to whatever
new beginning
she hoped
would find her
i went back inside
we never saw each other
again
sometimes
i remember that day
wonder
if i should have tried
to stop her
called the police
done something
other times
i hope she found it
that nebulous
whatever
it was
she needed
so badly
to fill the gaps