How to Draw a Star

Point 2

Starting at the top of the first line, draw a line angled downward. Try to stop the line so it is even with the first point. NOTE: It’s hard to stop where you began.

The overhead lights in the Bull Center Parking Lot obscure the brilliance of the starry, starry night. Only graduate students—those gluttons for punishment that work an eight hour day then subject themselves to an hour drive followed by a three-hour lecture in pursuit of job security—are unlocking their cars. I get into my own car and exit the lot onto Matlack street, then carefully, oh so carefully, merge onto Route 202. I really shouldn’t drive at night, my optometrist says. The headlights of the oncoming cars burst into multi-faceted and glowing fireworks when they strike my damaged corneas. My eyes ache.

The traffic is light heading South. I keep my tired eyes on the ribbon of black highway, wincing at the oncoming headlights, but occasionally I risk a glance up at the night sky. The stars dim and brighten, flickering with the surrounding lights.

One more day, I tell myself. Just one more day.

A shiver runs up my spine. My husband’s bipolar disorder often makes his actions unpredictable.

I am passing McDonald’s on Chichester Avenue when my stomach begins to growl. I am tempted to pull into the drive-through, but there is probably only change left in my purse and home is a few minutes away. Perhaps someone has saved me some supper.

If there has been supper.

No matter, I think. There is always frozen pizza. Store-brand, but better than nothing. Soon, I pull up to our small brick house with no off-street parking and stop in my usual spot. I open the car door and haul my heavy book bag behind me.

Ron’s car is not in its usual spot across the street.

A shiver runs up my spine. My husband’s bipolar disorder often makes his actions unpredictable, but he’s been consistent about being home with the kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays, my school nights.

I glance up at the sky. The brilliance of the stars are dimmed by the nearby factories. I can no longer see the North Star.

I square my shoulders and trudge up the front steps to our house.