The train seat chills my lower back, but I cannot complain as the window seat I fought to sit in allows me to gaze at the mountains that surround the city. My hands are slightly worn from a day’s work, which contrasts the tall, suited man next to me. His hands wear a watch with a name on it I can barely pronounce. His eyes bounced between his computer, phone, and watch, and my eyes tried to follow for a minute before bringing themselves back to the mountains. I think the man noticed, as his pupils made contact with mine and briefly told me a story of hope, saying one day you’ll be here too. I chuckled, thanked myself for never going to grad school, and continued to stare outside until the man left.
My row stayed empty for the remainder of the ride, like back at university, excommunicated on a Church pew till I finally stood up and left. Except even on this empty train car, I receive texts from J and E, and I see my phone background — a photo of my cat — that will kindly greet me once I arrive home. Last night, my friend insisted that I finally invest in a car and start driving to work or even take an Uber, but I prefer to indulge in the simple pleasure of people-watching, Grindr swipes, and the warmth from the engine on the side of my leg.
The train announces a stop close by my house, and I quickly check my bank statement. I sigh, “Enough money to cover the next few months”, I whisper to myself. I smile at the mountains, and the smile continues into the night. I hesitate to move when my stop finally arrives, but I know that the Washington mountains will wait until tomorrow for us to speak again. I’ll buy a ticket every time, and I love the mountains for always staying.
S is…
- 28 Years-Old
- Male, Cisgender
- White
- Atheist
- Lower Middle Class
- Gay
Author’s Note
S is a native to the suburbs of West Coast, where he has lived for most of his life. Homeschooled up until high school, S spent most of his younger years at his Church. At age 16, S started taking classes at a local community college and transferred to a university in Hawaii where he majored in a field of biology. At university, S detached himself from his religious identity after coming out as gay. He also realized his love for the outdoors, but he could not afford graduate school after undergraduate level. Thus, he paused his passions for biology and took up a career in recruiting. Over the past decade, S has held careers in sales and transportation. His American Dream is being able to make enough money to provide enough for food and shelter. It is also most important for him to have a strong circle of friends where he feels comfortable.