Back to School

Went back to the old high school today. It's odd to feel like a stranger in a place in which you belonged... the teachers don't look any different, the bathrooms are still disgusting, and yet there are little things, subtle things... new landscaping, new chicken wire to keep the pigeons off the roof... things you notice weren't there before that make you realize how you don't know this place anymore. Still, it makes you feel good when friends still in school run and knock you down because they're so happy to see you. Then you tell them about your new life, new friends, new love... and you think about what you must look like to them - you're out, you're gone, you're off in the world doing exciting things (even if you only play video games and take long walks), and you're a reminder that they'll be out in a few months. Maybe you're a symbol of hope, I dunno. Anyway, you leave. Soon maybe it'll be like you were never there. Maybe things'll change so much you won't even recognize the place the next time you come back. If you come back. I'm planning on it.