text: This is a story about the lonely hiker, who often retreats to the woods, caught up too much in his mind for his own good. On the outside it seemed like he has it all. He had a 9-5, 401k, stable job, and not even 25. But the lonely hiker was a reserved, and sad man. He was not one to share too much, but wishes he could. At 5 o'clock on some days, he will leave work and he will go on a hike in the woods, on a trail somewhat secluded, where he rarely sees people. Mystified by the beauty of the trees, the woods was where the lonely hiker could be at peace, free from the noise of the outside world. He returns each time noticing something he didn't the last, such as an old burnt branch, or someone's initials with a heart around it on a tree trunk. As he wanders through, he seems as if he is looking for something, something he knew he wouldn't find. As if the last piece of himself that he felt was missing was somewhere among the trees. The lonely hiker would post pictures of his ventures to the internet, and while he knew he was no photographer, he took a quiet pride in their quality. But the lonely hiker was really hoping the maybe, just maybe someone would see, and want to tag along. Then one day at work he receives a message, from an acquaintance he has met at a party not too long ago. She asks the lonely hiker if perhaps she could come along, and they agree to meet at the trail the next day, for a sunset hike. When the clock hits 5, the lonely hiker is ripe with anticipation, and made sure to get to the trail before she did. She gets there not long after he did, and both were excited to enjoy this pretty hike together. As it turns out she is actually a professional photographer and came along with her camera. The two hit it off, laughing and genuinely enjoying each others company, the chemistry enhanced by the magic of the woods. They agree to go out the coming Saturday, for drinks and a movie. In a remarkable twist of fate, the lonely hiker had a date. When the day comes he makes sure he looks his best, flexes in the mirror and blasts music to calm himself and feel confident. She arrives at his his house, stunning as ever. They talk for almost three hours over drinks, opening up to each other and sharing their life stories. For the lonely hiker, this was a big accomplishment, and it felt so easy, to be open with someone who would actually listen. During the movie they cuddle, and only watched half the movie while spending the other half looking at each other and giggling. As they wait for the cab, the lonely hiker pulls the girl in for a kiss. On cloud 9, the lonely hiker felt as if it could not be going any better. As they return to his place, the lonely hiker offers for the girl to stay the night. As the cuddle up in his bed and watch a show, the lonely hiker became nervous. He does not have much experience dating and being vulnerable is hard for him. They lie there, with her head on his chest, and the lonely hiker was caught up too much in his mind for his own good, for what would should happens next should be obvious to most, but not him. She eventually falls asleep, as he stares at the ceiling wondering why he is the way he is. The next morning they kiss goodbye, and they agree on another date for early the next week. They day of the second date comes, and this time the lonely hiker isn't nervous, only excited. As the end of the work day approaches, she texts him that she had a bad day and needed to reschedule for the next day. The lonely hiker agrees and does not worry too much about it. The next day she cancels as well, but reassures the lonely hiker that she really likes him and wants go on another date. They agree on another day, and she cancels again, this time offering no date for a reschedule. The lonely hiker knew where this was going, but wanted to see it through, and he tells her he will be hiking at the same spot and time the next day. She says she will do her best to make it. THe next day, the clock hits 5, and the lonely hiker again rushes to the trail as he did the first time, hoping she would show. He keeps looking at his phone. Five, ten, fifteen minutes which felt like and eternity. She then says she's not coming and left it at that. The lonely hiker feels a pain he has not felt in a while, one he couldn't bare to feel, so he never let himself. An open wound had been ripped open, and it is a wound that will only scab. Frustrated and confused the lonely hiker gets out if his car. Blood rushing through his veins at a thousand miles and hour. Trying to keep his cool he takes a deep breath.