He is the fastest trekker amongst us. 26, blond, Latvian, reckless and adorable. Its been interesting of late, within seconds of meeting someone, I would know if we are made of the same thing, if we share the same fundamental elements.

I saw much of myself in him. Arrogantly confident, not seeking approval from anyone, unapologetically pursuing our own agenda. We are extremely well traveled, love the mountains and live to push the limits. We gravitated towards each other, connecting in a fast friendship that baffled other trekkers.

We shared some whisky to celebrate a successful trek and our last night together. He is done while I am continuing on. With a bit of whisky in me, lust made itself known…I wanted him. You know that moment? That moment when a word, a gesture, a rhetorical question is all you need to tip the scale and everything changes? Through whisky eyes, I saw that moment —- I got up and walked away.

It has been days since. Inexplicably, every time I look at the photos of us, I smile as if I know his insides intimately. His caress are as foreign as his kiss, yet I smile as if he is a lover I will see the day after next.