I drive a pick up along the rough mine roads.  In the afternoon, the top layer of mud dries to a fine dust that whips up behind me.  Orange blinking light and my dust trail, the site radio crackles with white noise.

I stay late over dinner, listening to the boys talk about girls.  I should leave, but I like their generous hearts and quick smiles.  Brandon dissects the ribs, Mike's deep raspy voice, and Matt's bright green eyes.  

Alone in my room, I put in headphones and stretch.  And then I'm up and dancing in my narrow room.  My heart open and relaxed.  The most time that I've had to myself in years.  Feeling more like myself than ever. 

I crack the window to breathe the dry cold mine air.  Looking at the trees that frame the site, the sun setting and the weather changing again.