Epiphany

I was out running today, with headphones on, and settled into the rhythm: even breathing, steady footfalls, and on my fifth or sixth song. Suddenly, a branch knocked my headphones off, and all I could hear was my own breath and my footfalls on the muddy path. It was amazing how quickly I became aware of my surroundings: the trees on either side, covered in snow, the puddle ahead... how's that for a metaphor?

Anyway, I was just thinking about life. Fratello (a rather painfully obvious pseudonym, especially if you know Italian) was talking to me about how much different it is to be 18: no more Boy Scouts, college apps turned in, legality, etc. Then he turned back to the computer to work on homework, literally and metaphorically putting the headphones back on. I mean, he hasn't graduated yet, and there are still IB exams.

I wonder what it'll be like to lose the routine? Not college, because that's pretty much structured, too. I guess by then most people get jobs, are in relationships, etc. and the structure continues.

Wow, now I'm disillusioned. I guess that's how people like Alexander Supertramp come about (if you haven't read Into the Wild, go read it).

What kind of person finds metaphors in real life, anyway? They aren't intentional, placed by the author (well, unless you want to get all religious..).
It becomes apparent that IB has eaten my soul.