Her footsteps quickened, gaining momentum with every step forward. She heard the sound of her own blood pounding in her head. Her veins restricted, nervous anticipation. Is this where life had been heading all along?

Finally her destination was reached.

She peered through the dimly lit entrance searching for signs of life; searching for a warm smile to welcome her in. It did not come.

She sucked in a deep breath, and pushed on the heavy glass door with all her might. With trepidation, she journeyed forth down the long hallway. Surreal, pounding heart, pounding head. She pushed on a second door and sucked in another deep breath, as she put one foot over the threshold.

The light blinding, she stumbled forward into the room and fell down into a vacant chair, so inwardly focussed that she did not notice all the eyes in the room upon her, looking questioningly.

She waited patiently, listening to their voices; their stories – their inner most hopes and desires. Their secrets. Finally it was her turn.

She stood up, paused for eternity before clearing her throat, “Hi, my name is Allegra…and I’m an alcoholic”.

‘My Name is Allegra’, short story by Claire Haby. ©