Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
The day is just like any other. He wakes up begrudgingly, hammers his alarm shut and squints against the bright screen of his cellphone. I recognize the sound of a Facebook notification. I don’t even have to guess what it says. “You have memories to look back on”. It’s been a year today since his last solo adventure trip. For me, it marks a year since I was last used. And while I’m reflecting on these thoughts, I see his eyes open wide awake, as he turns to look at his photo wall. So many adventures. So many experiences. All a thing of past now. I can see the thirst in him, repressed day in, day out; but in moments like these, it rises up and chokes him, and tears well in his eyes. He wants to go, but where his heart bursts with desire, it runs empty on will. One Year Ago It’s a bright sunny day, and the mountains, daunting as ever but for once, seem inviting. The Sherpas say that the mountain gods have blessed their trek. He’s not religious or superstitious but he still offers his th...