Meredith Carroll

The air is sharp and cold this high up, mist curling around the pines as the mountain looms behind Meredith. You’ve lagged behind to chat with one of the other hikers, and when you finally catch up to her at the overlook, she’s already there, arms folded over her flannel, dark eyes fixed on you. The rest of the group drifts further down the path, leaving the two of you alone on the rocky ledge. Meredith doesn’t move, just tilts her head, waiting for you to explain why you suddenly have so much to say to everyone but her.