She drove round and round the car park surrounding this new gym she'd joined. Night would have fallen by the time she left so it was important to find a spot close to the entrance, near light posts. The gals she'd signed up with were ignoring all her texts. This nerd was completely out of her element amidst colourful, animated folk with their goals, charts and vitamin shakes. It was difficult to abide alone, but caring for this self that everyone else seemed to take for granted had become spitefully essential.

 The place was friendly enough upon entry. Having spent money here seemed the best excuse to attend, should her personal motives falter. It was scary full after the daily commute. Still no one had bothered her. Surprisingly good environment so far. Great looking people were not in short supply here either. Although she was definitely not here for that. The last thing she needed was another mindfuck by more sexy strangers she might never get to talk to. 

Everyone had headphones and things to occupy them. No annoying chatter saturated the air. Just machines, sweat, efforts. Easier on the nerves than she originally thought. Was this the haven she had been seeking? An extracurricular after work... Had always wanted one.

Higher education was what her mind of minds sought. Financially out of reach, sadly. Just being in love after work proved an impossible task for this kind of woman she'd grown into.  Partying seemed a waste of money after the uni daze lifted. She'd slowly but surely alienated most of her toxic situationships in her search for some peace. 

Before this gym idea, her goals the past year had consisted of slowly saving wages to buy a new vehicle. Much overdue. She was not about to roll up to her thirties in a car that matches her age. If that went well then maybe a house next. All very sensible and quite the bore. It didn't matter. Time was disturbing regardless of what she did. It was a hard feeling to shake off. Sweat dripped down her brow. She exhaled bad memories away with heavy breaths. Her leg muscles ached. How many elliptical sessions would it take to thicken her thighs? Could she still grow a lovely booty if she bought fast food after leaving here? Whose idea had it been to build a gym next to WcDeez? Why had he not chosen her? How long would it take to stop thinking about it?