An October Hike #8: Deafening Thoughts

We return to the group and continue our hike up the hillside. Leo returns naturally into his instructor role, guiding and talking. I keep quiet, but by head is filled with *deafening* thoughts trying their hardest to drown out each other:

Should I have gone for it?
Would he accept me as I am?
Could I have made a move and kept it a secret?
Did I do good by stopping myself?

I tell myself that I did the right thing. Maybe someday it won't matter, but for now it's safer to stick to my own lane. He turns to send me a glance before we set off, and suddenly the loudest voice is the one saying:

Tell him, and he will understand

Inktober2024 08 - Hike by Doodles Most Foul (me)