By Daniel Horan
As the cracked pavement passes quickly beneath the soles of my New Balances, I attempt to capture and embody the serenity this place holds. The low afternoon sun shining through the dense green above. A drop of sweat trickling down my cheek. Some newfound EDM song blasting through my AirPods. This surge of serotonin has become my only release during a time of so much fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.
The news anchor on the tiny 1990s television in my kitchen happily reminds me of this reality everyday as I make myself breakfast. Just this morning as I simply tried to scramble some eggs: “The number of COVID-19 related deaths in the United States is on track to surpass 100,000 by the end of next week.” Each day is filled with these sobering reminders.
Although this is our new reality, the quiet stretch of road nestled deep within the trees is oblivious. Running here offers me a moment to join in, a moment to escape from that reality. For just this moment, I feel at peace.
Daniel is a second-year architecture major from just outside Philadelphia, with hopes to pursue a career in the field of design. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and exploring all kinds of music and art.
