It was there. It was waiting.

All of my being was yelling at me to get outside. Blue skies, changing leaves, and a soft warmth from the rays that would come through the trees. Who knows when the sun will come out again? No. It’s time to drop your plans and walk toward the woods.

A spontaneous hike was in store. A friend came with me, and we set off through the woods on the path to the next village. Along the way, it became apparent we wouldn’t make it there and back before sundown. However, there was an old forestry road that split from the right to an unknown destination that seemed in the direction of home.

Do we stay on our known path, or do we a new way a shot?

 

—

 

It’s October, in Germany. It’s Folk-fest time.

An hour train ride puts you into the heart of a festival larger than I had imagined. Tents the size of schools, full to the brim with people who are laughing, drinking, and singing the day away. Candy and Wurst a-plenty wait to be eaten. And scattered amidst of it all are dozens of Carnival Rides.

Big ones and mall ones. Ones that spin one and ones that hold still. Bright lights, loud noises, smoke and water are all waiting to amuse you for just 3-5€.

Your friend, Jack, loves this kind of stuff. But everyone wants a partner in crime… so he turns to you. The “Transformer” is spinning 40ft in the air above, in a way that looks particularly terrifying.

Do you give it a shot, or do you let him go on his own?

 

—

 

It’s a dark café. There’s a cup of coffee, and the low buzz of conversation around you.

The guy sitting across from you has had a hell of a few months, but he does a good job hiding it behind a smile. It’s not the first time you’ve met together, but the friendship is still pretty new. However, it’s becoming apparent that he’s not going to make it much further if something doesn’t change soon.

The struggle has turned into depression. The depression is heading toward hopelessness.

The words are on the tip of your tongue: You are not as alone as you think. You are more beloved than you even understand. There’s still time! There’s still hope! Don’t give up!

But dare you utter them? Can the relationship handle the wait of such intimate words as “hope” and “love”? Or do you brush it off and just hope that some moments of laughter help?

You must decide, and your decision could change everything.

It’s there. It’s waiting.

Still Wandering,

Tony