And as the sun set over snow capped mountains, joy left with the light. -W.

~

I drive down an empty stretch of highway as the sun sets over sloping mountains- rays of gold, pale pink, and a hint of purple fracture the sky in an explosion of light. Music blares from my speakers, out the rolled down windows, and through the open sunroof into the evening sky.

As rolling hills whiz by, the familiar, tangy scent of manure assaults my nose and I take in the moment. Wind in my hair, deafening music, a fiery sky above me with no one around for miles. I tell myself this moment is joyfully exquisite. Like sinking into a plush velvet chair or placing a single, silky smooth chocolate on your tongue. Like submerging yourself in a bath of soothing lavender, bubbles escaping over the edge as warmth engulfs you. This moment should feel something like that, but it doesn't.

My eyes cant help but glance at the empty passenger seat.

During the day, I pretend everything's fine- I'm fine- so well that even I start to believe it. But as the sun makes it's descent, there is only emptiness accompanying me, and a sharp loneliness that used to be joy.