I run out of my house's front door, past my very confused-looking younger sister, and into my car, which was conveniently parked out front. Thank God it was that close, otherwise, I would have simply started running down the street.

I get in the car and lock the doors. There's no time to buckle in, I have to go now. I key the ignition and gun it out of my neighborhood and onto the highway. I don't care how many traffic laws I am breaking, I need to get as far from my bedroom as possible as quickly as possible.

I speed into the night, a thunderstorm on my left flank and roads too familiar on my right. The wind is blaring silently in my ears as I drive past township after township, windows down, no music on. I stare at the lines on the road as they are my only beacon of guidance through the dark and the nothing.

Every muscle in my body is tensed and strained and I can't concentrate on anything but my need to get away. I take random back roads until I am completely lost. Once my navigational skills can no longer point me in any helpful direction, I light up cigarette, finally satisfied.

My breath returns to me as my muscles relax and I can finally function again. I am safe and alone in my car, far from any place and any person I know.

I just needed to go.