Nicole Shumate
Stories (2)
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Her(e)
We share experiences through the soles of our feet, the capacity of our lungs and the scope of the world that spreads before us. We climb and descend together, plant our feet on stable rock, following each other across streams. We rest in shadows to stay cool, sunlight to stay warm and in each other’s presence to stay safe. Our efforts rise and fall at similar times as our bodies recover and prepare for the next steps. We view the landscape ahead with an intuitive awareness, although we are seeking entirely different information from the contents. While Dave is constantly comparing where we are relative to the world around us, I am watching a dog for any indication that what lies ahead may be destroyed by explosion.
By Nicole Shumate5 years ago in Journal
Together
His palm is pressed firmly against mine, his fingers holding our hands together. His callouses draw my attention, stiff from work. Our bodies are exhausted from effort and the heat is disseminating into the ground and air around us. Soaked in sweat, I vacillate into shivering. The dog next to me is shifting her weight to find a more comfortable position. My mind is separate from my body, and much as I know I need to bring both things together, I can’t seem to unify my thoughts and actions. A mental inventory of my physical state requires more focus than I have. As we’re in no position to talk, I won’t have to extend any false assurances. I let the effort slide.
By Nicole Shumate5 years ago in Fiction
