I didn't expect to be neck deep in the Vermilion River when I got out of bed this morning, but somehow that's exactly where I ended up. The muddy waters currents flow by me delicately, an exact juxtaposition to the emotions I'm feeling.

"Please don't be mad at me, Jen..." my friend Payton speaks up from a couple feet away.

I shoot her a glance, "I'm not mad...at you."

That's not entirely true,...

Eyes wide with fear

Eyes filled with tears

I've never been good with change

But there's nowhere else to go

I've awakened, I'm awake

To things I didn't know...