Ants in a line

I have always had a soft spot for ants. Some think I am unusual in the way I think of them. The way they walk without argument in perfect synchronization. I envy them, so different from people. Clearing all obstructions from their path. People are harsh and can't work together without arguments. Sometimes I feel like a single ant, small and insignificant. I wouldn't mind being an ant if it meant I could have a colony. Deep in my heart I wish all people could change, but I know that some people just can't. For the way I see ants others do not. Some people squish ants for just being there, but if they were to look closer they would see that the ants have a reason, a purpose. They pick up after us. We are messy, not only with objects and food but in lives our as well. Ants don't live long so they cherish every day of their lives. They work to support their colony in ways that can support the future generations. Most people on the other hand, do things for only themselves, and waste their lives. When I think of these people it hurts my heart. Then I think of the exceptions. I know there are people who care for others and nature. Those who wish to help the earth so the future generations have a good life. Those who even went the extra mile to change for the generations. These people remind me of ants. My name is Carolina Clark and this is my story.

As I walked home from school I didnt know what would await me. My mother had died giving birth to me. My father blames me for it. He can't even stand to look at me. I'm not abused it is more like I'm neglected. By the corrupt person I call my father. I am respectful it's always "yes sir and no sir". I continued my walk home, passing by stores and houses. I was almost home. I lived in Glenn Dale housing. It was in the residential neighborhood by the lake. I looked at the driveway, empty. I guess father wasn't home yet. He work 40 hours a week, he volunteers to at least. He just wants to be easy from me most likely. As I slipped my key into to keyhole I got a feeling that something was off I pushed on the door and it opened, it was unlocked. My farther was sitting on the couch bottle in hand. He turned to face me. I wanted to run, but my legs had frozen in place. His towering figure was in front of me. I opened my mouth to ask what had happened to the car. It belonged to mom. Only to have my question returned with a slap across the face. Tears began to fall as he continued to hit me.

As I layed broken on the ground I looked at the movement next to my head. It was a line of ants. I had no idea how long it had been since my father left. I followed the trail of ants. They went all the way upstairs. I stood up only to have my whole body in aching pain. I heard a drip, and saw I was leaving a trail of blood. Ignoring it, I continued to follow the ants. All the way to my father's room. There was a case in the floor. I walked to the case and opened it. Inside was nothing but a single picture. Of a women who looked just like me. I cried and smiled. I tucked the picture into my pocket. And walked down the stairs. The door was open. I guess my father left. I walked out the door. Outside the door was where the ants were coming in. In a single line that went all the way up to my fathers room, all the way up to the case. I walled outside and blinked in the sun. I had no idea how long I had layed there. But I knew it was morning. Clutching the photo in my pocket. I decided to walk a little way. I didn't know where to go anymore. Then I saw it. A line of ants. I decided to follow it. I walked for a long time. And eventually ended up in the park. The ants lead to a bench. On the bench was my father. He was crying. I wanted to run, far away and fast, but I couldn't. The ants lead me here for a reason. I trusted them for some reason. I sat on the bench next to my father and let him put his head on my shoulder. We both cryed till it was dark. I asked what happened to the car. He replied that it had been backed into. His eyes were full of sadness. I knew her hung on to the memories of mom, mostly through her car. I handed him the photo. We walked home hand in hand. When we arrived the ants were gone. It gave me some sadness to see them gone. I walked to my room and layed down. As I turned over I saw another line of ants. On the outside of my window. I quickly ran and opened it. The ants walked in. They went to my ant farm on my desk. I knew what I had to do to help the ants. I opened the lid. The ants from my farm and The ants from outside merged their groups. Then silently went through the window. I looked out my window at the moon reflecting over the lake, and smiled. I gave a quick prayer that mom was happy. Then silently creeped back to my bed. I fell asleep starting at the moon as it shimmered over the lake.

To this day I still envy ants. For their compassion and care for one another. The ants helped me at my low. Then kindly asked for help with their friends. Now me and my father have bonded and are close. He had apologised numerous amounts of times for the way he treated me. We are happy. Now I trust the ants. They hold a dear place in my heart. If watch and listen maybe you will come to envy the ants as well.