September 3, 2016 – Bozeman, Montana

And then there were three.

Kevin, Elisabeth, and myself. I’m hiking up Sacagawea Peak with them and Thomas, thinking how quickly the time has passed with the others. Paul and Christine left yesterday. Haley and Ally are leaving tomorrow. Thomas is done on the farm, but staying in town. Mitsui’s gone. Tyler left as well, but not before fixing his van’s side mirror and announcing, “My mirror is being held together by underwear!”

Witnessing the fluidity of the others, I find myself becoming more and more thankful for the three beside me that remain. This is also the first time I’ve been in a situation that feels so much like living in a hostel without being an actual hostel…

Jesus, this lifestyle can be rough.

Recent celebrations bounce around my mind. Pizza and beer at Bridger Brewing. Family-style dinner at home, courtesy of Christine. Games. Drinks. We reach the peak, taking in some glorious views of the Bridger Mountains and Bozeman area. I start to think more about how it feels to be on the “other end.”

Getting to know people.

Watching them walk away.

Wishing they would stay.

“And the danger is that in this move toward new horizons and far directions, that I may lose what I have now, and not find anything except loneliness.” – Sylvia Plath