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.