Silence can be so loud, yet so quiet. Sitting in an empty room alone is quiet silence. Sitting in an empty room with one other person is loud silence. Why is this? Is it because of the awkward tension between the two, or just the feeling that anybody could break that loud silence?

Quiet silence is always more enjoyable. It’s a break from life, from people, from yourself. It distracts you from all...

I never thought the day would come. The day I would leave all I’ve ever known behind. The town I grew up in, the people I grew up with, my life. The small town traditions, family hangouts, seeing kids running around the fields. It was all going to be just a memory.

The day I got the call, I was overjoyed. But I couldn’t help feeling this gut wrenching twist in my stomach at the same time. I had b...