vast spans the gap. we stood in the gravel yard between the horse shelter and the pig sty; me and a couple classmates. a frigid energy pulsed in the atmosphere; the clouds were indecisive. the bus driver enlightened us regarding his financial affairs.
DRIVER. “daughter went abroad to study, makes this amount of money over seas.”
AMERICAN. “does she plan to return to china?”
DRIVER. “china has some problems. look around, this poor countryside, unacceptable. she couldn’t make the same money over here.”
AMERICAN. “but this countryside is so beautiful. it’s really nice.”
DRIVER. ” (hesitates) … i only make this amount of money every year.”
having climbed to the top of the mountain, we continue to scan for what we thought would be here. don’t worry china, you’ll make it up too. but find you won’t what you seek.
