1.3 “Pent-Up“
Autumn was grateful that Poppy had invited her to work out. The nearby gym had punching bags, something that Autumn hadn’t used in a while. She used to kickbox all the time, taking classes, occasionally sparing. It felt good to let her emotions go into the bag rather than stay inside, itching at her to get out.
She thought about what had brought her here. She was running--from her home, from her friends and family, from him--and she couldn’t deny the anxiety and sadness and anger that were building up inside.
She sighed. She wanted to get away from all of that, but she knew the only way she could really get away from her past was if she addressed it. Internally and externally.
She felt the fatigue in her arms and core. The muscles would be sore tomorrow.
Autumn vowed to herself not to let any of this hold her back. She wanted to live her life without any regret or any restraint.
A few feet away, Poppy watched Autumn punch aggressively. Poppy admired the passion with which Autumn pounded away at the bag, but she also wondered why Autumn was here.
Poppy was glad--she loved Autumn, one of her best and longest friends, but she also wondered what was eating away at Autumn. Poppy knew there was something she was running from.
Poppy knew that Autumn had left behind a boyfriend and a successful career as a journalist for a local paper. But Autumn didn’t mention either of those yet. Poppy wasn’t even sure of the boyfriend’s name. Maybe something bad had happened.
Poppy knew that her old friend would need time before she was able to explain what was happening to her. Poppy knew she would have to be there for Autumn no matter what.