Nature

It was the second night of camp and I needed to do what I came for.

So out of the tent I went quietly.

I walked carefully past our small community. It was about ten minutes before I found a clearing.

It smelled of pine needles and wood. The sky was a deep blue, and the stars were tiny pinpricks scattered. What a strange Creator.

I sat down. In anticipation I thought I'd fear some surprise while I thought but in that moment I was only aware of the fact that I knew my breath was visible but couldn't see it.

I could barely make out the shapes of trees and the leaves swaying in the wind.

My thoughts took on a reflective quiescence. I went through scenarios in my head: How badly I wanted others to be with me, and what we'd talk about if they were.

Nothing seemed to matter except the universe was silent, and as I stared at it, I felt it staring at me.