Opening my eyes I feel a sharp pain shoot down my spine, my head is pounding, I sit up and immediately lie back down. I roll over, with any luck he'll be there. No luck. The room is spinning, where am I? The musky smell is unfamiliar, the chatter I hear outside is unfamiliar. I begin rubbing my eyes trying to turn this blurred image of my new home into a reality. I sit back up and allow the anticipation of a hot shower to coax me out of bed. I reach my toes towards the floor but I can't find it, a slight wave of panic quickly turns into frustration with my new sleeping arrangements, another reminder that this is not home. One foot down and then the other, I start to steady myself. I take a step forward and hot pain grabs me by the ankle. I limp to the bathroom satisfied with the image of yesterday's skate running through my mind. Tracing my fingers along the wall until I find the switch, my subconscious expectations of a soft light are ripped from my mind before I can even find comfort in them. I am reminded once again, by the hallow echo of the switch and blinding fluorescent lights, this is not home. Searching for anything familiar I turn to the mirror. Staring into pale eyes, I force a smile. The light screams through my head leaving a dull ring to dwell inside my mind. I make my way to the shower. Pulling back the beige curtain I stress over the clutter of soaps and sponges. Let the water heat while I undress, one more look in the mirror and for once I see myself through his eyes. Admiring the natural beauty of my naked body, I begin to daydream. I can feel the warmth of his body against mine, and his breath against my neck. I can taste his sweet soft lips and see his beautiful brown eyes looking passionately into mine. If only he were here now. Snap out of it. Step into the hot shower and let the steam relax my mind. I stall for a minute and allow the water to massage the thoughts out of my head, I lean back and let it stream down my face, washing away any and all emotion. The image of water running down his naked body takes over, and is just as quickly stolen by the shock of icicles stinging my skin. Clenching my teeth, I wait it out. The strong aroma of my shampoo reminds me of home and if I close my eyes the feeling consumes me. Back to reality, I step out and remember how he wipes the water from his body; he looks so naturally wonderful when he is naked and wet. Racing the clock I quickly get dressed. I grab my board and then I'm out the door and down the hall. The hallow echo of the slamming door interrupts the music in my head as I tread down the stairs. It screams unfamiliarity, and I am once again reminded that this is not home. The cold dark stair well is anything but comforting so I quickly push my way to the door. I step into the day and subconsciously decide to make something of it. The cold air whips me in the face. I breathe it in. It rained last night and I can smell the city reborn. Taking a deep breath I allow the warmth of the sun sink into my skin. I close my eyes and imagine it's rays as energy flowing through my veins. I drop my board and jump on; I kick myself off the sidewalk and onto the road. Finding ease in the familiar perfection of gliding over the smooth pavement, everything slows down. I begin to feel renewed and restored. The trees have caught fire and it won't be long before their leaves have burnt away. I listen for the sound of his board behind me and stop myself from reaching back in search of his hand. My body goes weak from the sensation of his touch. Checking the time I realize that I'm early. I lie down on the earth and run my fingers through it's hair. When I close my eyes I lose sight of where I am. My thoughts begin to seize and emotions start draining from every pore. I am exposed to the world but no one can hurt me. Opening my eyes, I look around, the unfamiliar is becoming less and the ground beneath me is no longer shaky. So I stand to greet the new day in the reflection of yesterday's rainfall.