Companionship

As he sat there, the waves below him began to slowly disappear out deeper into the sea. No longer were they crashing against the cliffs below. Throwing themselves against the rocks. Shattering and smashing into nothing but white foam and sprays of mist. They knew what time of day it was. They had the same routine everyday. Dying down as the sun fell below the horizon. Painting the sky orange, highlighting the wisps of the last few cresting waves. He could feel the air getting cooler around him. Circulating out with a breeze that was coming off of the ocean, heading towards the land. A few hours ago his skin singed under the sun. Browning then becoming a lush pink. Covered in sweat. Pores open - doing their best to cool him down. But now the wind licked at his t-shirt and pants. Sucking out moisture from earlier in the day. Pushing the fabrics against his skin, bringing out a thick layer of goosebumps. He began to shiver as the stars began to come out above him, dancing in the sky. Twinkling brightly.

There really is nothing like the night sky near the ocean.

The longer he thought about it, the more it all made sense. Next to him was all that he owned. Packed away in a tiny little duffle bag. Easily considered a carryon by any airline. No need to check it. There was only enough to make it through the week. All he'd need for where he was headed. And his camera to document his journey.

Behind him there wasn't much of a path to follow. He had quit his job. Sold his posessions. Donated the clothing he didn't need. Pooled his money in an international account. And said goodbye to his family and friends. He wanted no constraints. Not to be tied down. To live. Experience. Explore. He wasn't happy. He wanted out. So he bought a one way ticket and began his journey. Heading West. With no real destination in mind. The plane was like any other he had taken before. Dimly lit. Crammed with other people. Stale air pumped through the vents - drying his lips as he slept. The occasional movie took his mind off the passing time. His joints ached. Neck was stiff.

When he finally stepped out of the terminal, he just started walking. Past the pleading cab drivers and bus attendants. Out through the entrance gates and towards the coast, mind empty. It was one of the most relaxed moments he could remember. Not a single through floated between his ears. There was no stress. No concerns. He had no agenda. No schedule. As his continued down towards the water, the occasional person would nod their head at him, wishing him well. He'd smile back, glad he already felt welcome regardless of the language barrier.

Eventually he made it to the water and he immediately began climbing the hill that stretched out ahead of him. Reaching the top after a while - finding the perfect spot to sit down and soak in the view. He was completely alone at what felt like the top of the world. The longer he sat, the more he was at ease. At the apex of the afternoon he pondered stripping off his clothes and jumping from his perch - into the crashing waves below - timing it perfectly so that he'd be swept out of sea, away from the rocks. Out further into the ocean. Into the unknown.

When the sun had begun to fall he was caught off guard. His mind began to race. He could feel it deep down in his chest. Working its way out towards his fingertips, through his limbs. It wasn't that he had no where to go, no job, no bed to call his own. It manifested itself out of want. He had just begun the greatest adventure of his life - a rebirth. A time to call his own. The first actual moment he was completely in control.

But truthfully, all he really wanted was someone to share it with.