![The media file [Christian] is by CallahanFreet.](/artists/christian/christian_head_hu5cef231d8f4180b7a037182f38f41a4e_11594_800x0_resize_q82_h1_box_2.webp)
Images can be misleading, just like façades. And this one doesn’t tell the entire truth.
In spite of its appearance, Mirror Lake was unsettled the day we went kayaking. The wind churned its surface to a light ripple, but we did not expect the movement below. It was hidden. The lake only told the full story when we were surrounded by its water, as ripples transformed into swells.
![The media file [Struggling To Leave] is by CallahanFreet.](/works/52weeks/2022/0917/20220917_hu20b03b41f616cf842b8e644cbb47c46c_1030212_800x0_resize_q82_h1_box_2.webp)
We speak often of a coming time when he will want to leave us. Last year he laughed at our confidence, this year he's planning. Today while we embarked he prepared alone — one day we won't even be there.
Paddling into the middle of it — leaving safety at the shore — was the only way we would know the truth. We fought a mile through the wind’s confusion, wet and tired, navigating its boiling surface only to be dragged back to our origin.
Yet you cannot see that story here. Regardless of its serene appearance, we knew it would be a difficult trip. But we chose to row anyway — because that’s why we arrived.