EPT
I have lived in the mountains of upstate New York for the past 2 years. Going anywhere involves trips through valleys, on rarely used, winding state highways. It’s a wonderful world of forested slopes, meandering rivers and expansive fields. Simply put, it’s beautiful. I drive 60 mph and listen to Kpop on max volume. I love every second.
Then One Thing comes on and everything transforms. The moment it starts I feel chills run through me. My eyes grow heavy as tears of joy brim. A smile builds on my face as the song gains momentum and the valley, wondrous no matter the season, opens before me. Be it yellowed grass, unbroken snow or swaying greenery, it explodes into idyllic vibrancy. The sun radiates enlivening warmth; the sky possibility. Choa starts to belt the chorus and the experience reaches a crescendo. I’m singing at the top of my lungs - Korean words I’ve heard so many times that I’ve memorized their sounds despite not knowing the words.
We’re lucky to find anything that makes us so happy. Be it a person, pet, song or otherwise it’s critical to appreciate the joy they inspire. I hope that everyone finds their “one thing” because sometimes we just need sounds to be a little crisper, lights the tiniest bit brighter and all the things which had seemed so normal to be utterly intoxicating.
