Montage 2017 Journal

arm and starts heading towards the water. I start shoving all my shit into my pockets; will I really need a full pack of cigarettes, lip balm, water, and my phone just to stand in the cold for 15 minutes? Probably not, but I bring it all anyway.

I’m always the last one ready, attempting to strategically plan the next part of my night.

“Should we put this fire out before we go?”

I yell to my three best friends who are already yards in front of me.

“Just leave it! The rain will put it out eventually!” Bruce yells back at me.

I slide into my faded sandals and start walking somewhat quickly— a half-assed attempt at catching up with everyone. They’re almost to the dunes; I’m almost to the end of the driveway. As soon as I make it to the top of the dunes, I can see the moon shining through the clouds, creating an iridescent glow across the water. The wind picks up, whipping my hair in every direction. I pull my hood up, trying to tame my hair. Kat, Bruce, and Vern are at the edge of the water now. I crouch down low, huddling under a towel that is probably making me more cold than comfortable. I squint into the darkness as I try to watch the three of them from the top of the dunes. They look like little ants marching across the horizon. One breaks off. Of course, it’s Vern.

A long, low rumble vibrates beneath me; a bright beam of lightning strikes over me. It begins to rain heavier. Now I’m even more irritated and even more freezing than I was before.

“Vern! Kat!” I scream from the top of the dunes, “let’s go! This is getting dangerous. Let’s not be stupid!” I pause and listen intently for a response, but all I can hear is the rain and approaching thunder. I scream louder, repeating myself, thinking they probably just didn’t hear me. A flash of lightning blinds me. I hear Kat 25