Ripples | Teen Ink

Ripples MAG

January 11, 2009
By skywriter11 GOLD, Glenmont, New York
skywriter11 GOLD, Glenmont, New York
16 articles 1 photo 18 comments

My own hands are betraying me. I watch the water in my glass ripple, and I know it is happening again. I grip the glass a little tighter, trying to stop the movement, but it’s no use. I place it on the counter and sink to the floor.

The shaking spreads. It goes up my arms until it reaches the rest of my body. I hug my knees to my chest and squeeze my eyes shut. I do not cry out when I accidentally bite my tongue.

I rifle through my mind, trying to figure out why this is happening. I’ve done everything I’m supposed to. It’s the Friday before an empty weekend, so I shouldn’t be stressed. I ran today like I always do. I’ve been good and haven’t had any ­caffeine. Why now?

I’m still shaking too hard to move. Little red crescents rise up on my skin where my nails cleave my palms. No one calls. The doorbell does not ring. All I can do is hold on and wait.

Eventually, the shaking subsides enough for me to stand. I keep one hand firmly on the countertop while I straighten my shirt and push back my hair. I pick up my glass and take a long, slow sip. It’s over.

There is no one here but me.


Writer’s note: We don’t know what causes my shaking, but my doctor thinks it might be anxiety.



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This article has 4 comments.


on Oct. 24 2011 at 8:42 am
RandomRanda GOLD, Paoli, Indiana
10 articles 0 photos 25 comments

Favorite Quote:
Ill never improve, if i don&#039;t try <br /> I&#039;m Dancing for my life (im living my life). <br /> Im all me! NO ONE is changing me!

wow! this one is in my favorites too

 


on May. 29 2010 at 3:52 pm
SarClark BRONZE, NC, Connecticut
2 articles 0 photos 534 comments
What Havarti said, most definitely. 

Havarti said...
on Jun. 13 2009 at 3:53 am
Wow, very well done. I'll pray for you.

brunette3913 said...
on Apr. 20 2009 at 9:36 pm
brunette3913, Apex, North Carolina
0 articles 0 photos 8 comments
this is good, and i didn't know it was real until the end, reading the writer's note.