Let Freedom Ring

Crusted, pink pie stains are dribbled down the front of my shirt. My bare hands are sticky with residue. My skin is exposed to the germs flying around the smoggy morning.

I can't believe this! What has HAPPENED?

I feel the dirt in the wind, settling on my skin; the rough, dirty sidewalk under my naked feet. I smell the exhaust from the whistling bus, feel it breathe on my face. My whole body is exposed to the contaminated, grimy air, the unhygienic and polluted city.

I have never been happier.

A weight of dread has been lifted, and I feel a bubble of joy burst from my mouth, erupting into laughter that spills into the city. I start to run, leap, skip towards the dried up fountain, and as I pass, it gurgles once and water starts pumping from the spout, the sound echoing through the city, dancing with the sound of my laughter. I let my hands run through the rusty water, and I splash some water on myself, rejoicing in the beauty of the elements.

I keep running, moving towards the fresh corpse of a young woman. Her assorted limbs are twisted in an angelic spiral, and her face holds a small, knowing smile. I lean down and hug this innocent godsend, pouring my happiness into her wandering soul. I continue on my way, rushing into Watershed Heights, and soaring up the stairs. I grab the wonderfully sticky handle to the roof-top garden and swing it open, feeling the freedom of the day.

I see a mysterious man with a child-like face sitting in the midst of bumblebees in sitting lotus position. His poise is simple, yet refined, and I feel the urgency to kiss his smooth, balding head. I sweep across the garden, letting my toes sink into the soil, the flowers tickle my legs, and grace him with a soft, gentle kiss. He does not stir, but the bumblebees floating around him sing out a song that mirrors my bliss.

I let out another bubble of laughter, and feel the Heavens smile at me. The voice of Madame Mystic rings through the air: Phoebe. You're free.