West Coast State of Mind

by Nikki Nulton

I am convinced that you can only live in the Northeast for so long before you freeze. Here, people walk down the streets, faces twisted into grimaces, shoulders rigid and arms folded against the cold. It's only a matter of time before that kind of frigidity follows you into mild March days and chases you into the summer months. Even in mid-July, faces scowl at other scowling faces, shoulders stay frozen stiff, and arms remain folded, against the memory of the cold and human contact alike. Despite my chapped lips, stinging eyes, and wounded spirit, I'll fight the temptation to let my face contort out of my crooked smile. I've never been to Cali but my mind is in Pacific Standard Time.

6S

Nikki Nulton is a full-time student and full-time counselor currently residing in freezing cold Northeast Pennsylvania. She dreams of being a full-time writer somewhere warm.