Why would I take you there?

If you’ve never been to the dark places, why would I take you there? You. The epitome of light and airy. The epitome of good ole American boy. Why would you want to go there? Aren’t you afraid? Aren’t you repulsed by it? If I had the option to stay in the light, I think I would. I think I would sip on a mojito and watch the clouds pass and feel the chill as they cover the sun. Only to be infused with more warmth as they move on. I can handle myself in the dark. I can handle it by myself, or I can find fellow travelers who have been there and back before, like I have. I don’t need you to rappel down there if you have no reason to put yourself in that kind of danger.

The reason is me. The reason is that I’m worth the danger. The possibility is that I can get back to the light faster by ascending with you, in the safety of your arms, holding tight to your sturdy rope than by clawing at the mountain with my fingernails alone. I can make that trek, I can climb myself, I’ve done it before. I’ve crawled my way out of the darkness, with loving kindness meditations and $90 therapy sessions. I don’t need you, but I could really use you… and I guess it does feel really nice to have someone down in the darkness with me. Extending a hand and communicating in no uncertain terms that I belong up there, in the light.