18

We’re in a circle, criss-cross applesauce. It’s a tradition to end the trip like this: expressing gratefulness for everyone.

We’re all talking about you, now. There’s so much for me to say.

You’re the biggest crush I’ve had in my life, to this point. I have this sense that you understand me.

I’m 15. I’m blindly naive. But that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

I could spend the rest of my life just listening to you.

There’s so much for me to say. But everyone’s there.

I say none of it. It’s sweet, about a funny moment with a donut, but it’s not what I mean. You smile, and it’s like I’m back in the mountains.

Someone else speaks, and I sense I’m about to go the rest of my life without telling you how I feel. I foresee tomorrow’s airport, hugging you goodbye—

and I know I’m right.

Reykjavík, July 2019
Anonymous