Laughter ripples through the mass of people, standing shoulder to shoulder, waving like a field of corn on a breezy night. The music takes over the heartbeats, now beating in unison, lead by the rhythm of the drum.
Jenna is standing in the center of it all, people flowing from her core in all directions, like petals of a blooming flower. In front of her, a man puts his arm around the women beside him and when they look into each other’s eyes for a quick kiss, Jenna feels there is love. To her left, some girls have choreographed a routine fitting the tight space they have for their performance. They giggle when one falls out of tune. That, Jenna knows, is friendship.
To her right, a group of guys are singing the lyrics along with the performer on stage, lifting their cups, a high five and a friendly stomp on an arm. This, Jenna thinks, is companionship.
Tonight, she decided to come here by herself, to indulge in the music she loves. To enjoy the warm night and the stretch of summer’s scents and flavors. To maybe meet someone… because that she decided, is bravery.
But to meet someone, she’d have to talk to anyone, and all she can really do is witness what’s around her and define what she knows is important.
She’s alone in this crowd, and that, that is vulnerability.