[ Reynir hums a noncommittal sound in his throat, then take a bite of his own cereal to buy himself some time to think what he wants to say. There was a time, not all that long ago, when he would have just spoken his mind without ever stopping to think if it was a good idea. But he has been trying, more recently, to be a bit more careful with his words.
Especially around Onni.
He had wondered, after all, now and then, listening to the Finnish rain falling on their tent as they camped for the night, if he had said or done something to contribute to Onni's abrupt departure. If he could have found the right combination of words to make him stay, or reconsider going alone. He'd long since worked out that he was the last one to see Onni, before he left. Reynir knows now he should have tried harder to stop him. ]
I'm not sure we are always the most reliable judges about what are and aren't problems in our lives, until something changes and we can get a little perspective.
[ He broadens the statement, as if it isn't just about Onni, but an observation about most people. And it is. But Reynir thinks that is particularly true in Onni's case. He's been in survival mode for so long. It's made his priorities a little whack.
Then, he adds: ]
I want to make this place home. Even if we are only here for a little while. Even though my other friends and my family aren't here. While I'm here - I'm going to let it be mine.
no subject
[ Reynir hums a noncommittal sound in his throat, then take a bite of his own cereal to buy himself some time to think what he wants to say. There was a time, not all that long ago, when he would have just spoken his mind without ever stopping to think if it was a good idea. But he has been trying, more recently, to be a bit more careful with his words.
Especially around Onni.
He had wondered, after all, now and then, listening to the Finnish rain falling on their tent as they camped for the night, if he had said or done something to contribute to Onni's abrupt departure. If he could have found the right combination of words to make him stay, or reconsider going alone. He'd long since worked out that he was the last one to see Onni, before he left. Reynir knows now he should have tried harder to stop him. ]
I'm not sure we are always the most reliable judges about what are and aren't problems in our lives, until something changes and we can get a little perspective.
[ He broadens the statement, as if it isn't just about Onni, but an observation about most people. And it is. But Reynir thinks that is particularly true in Onni's case. He's been in survival mode for so long. It's made his priorities a little whack.
Then, he adds: ]
I want to make this place home. Even if we are only here for a little while. Even though my other friends and my family aren't here. While I'm here - I'm going to let it be mine.