It was awkward at first I told myself not to respond to ignore the silly pull that had my arms begin to stretch out and my feet tumble a bit closer
I’d gone five days without human contact silent for the duration except for the podcasts in my ears or the kitchen staff making comment or the Gregorian chants filling the lunchroom airways it felt good to hug a tree I intend to do it again


All we can do is stay near to each other