A year ago today,

I began to count down the months.

The months, the days, the minutes, the seconds,

Until the Deadline. 

The Deadline had always been there,

Hanging over my head,

Foreboding, Menacing, All-Knowing.

A year ago today, however,

I finally noticed it was there. 

I've been working to meet the Deadline my entire life.

I've done all the work I can to assure the Deadline would be met.

Now, I count down the months, the days, the minutes, the seconds,

Until the Deadline.

Today, I realized I had one less year until the Deadline.

It is nearly upon me.

And, today, I realized I am ready to meet it.

Graduation. Growing up. Leaving my small town. 

Facing the unknown.

My work is nearly finished. I know I will meet this Deadline, and I know I am ready.

All that's left is the cruel waiting.