The cracking and crunching of leaves under my footsteps break the silence of the cool early autumn evening as I stroll through the woods on my family’s property. A slight breeze ruffles my hair and carries the sweet fragrance of freshly mown hay to my nose, where the scent dances for a while before slowly absconding to combine with the irresistible smell of the great outdoors. I spot a cardinal wafting lazily in the breeze. Everything is calm. I thrust my hands into the pockets of my faded jeans as I saunter through the evening’s tranquility with one clear goal: to clear my mind. Amidst the reds, oranges, yellows, and browns of fall, my consciousness boards the one-way train to nostalgia. My mind in its own place, and of itself, all my worries dissipate as the sound of rustling leaves drowns out the heckles and taunts of my deepest fears of inadequacy and loss. In this moment, this blithe, insouciant moment, I am free, free from the hackneyed routine of fear, doubt, self-loathing, and resentment. In these serene, amicable woods I feel only one emotion: contentment.
Bling.
My phone buzzes.
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I sigh. It's good to be online.
Bling.
My phone buzzes.
@VirginSlayer69 responded to your tweet: "ur jokes suck gaywad lmao #420blazeit."
I sigh. It's good to be online.