What a wonderful day – it's a new beginning. Today, I have a new chance. Today, the sun illuminates the deepest crevices of the earth once more. Today—my time has come. I won't rest a single moment before I grasp this chance. No—I'll climb this mountain with the strength of an eager, young heart. My trek over this mound is much too glorious to delay.

The night passes by—I wait. Nothing but the creaking of the wind against my windowpane disturbs the silence. The hours pass by – each second disappearing with every breath that escapes my lungs. The night is cold and dark. I turn my head to the eastern window and gaze longingly into the night. When will morning come?

I want to know – I want to trust that things will work out. My mother always told me, "Don't worry, things will get better – they always do." Why can't I bring myself to believe that?

When I was a child I believed. I had faith, like a naïve little child in a huge, harsh world can believe in the goodness of Santa Claus or the recompense of the Tooth Fairy. When I was a child, I looked around me and saw everything working out. Why can't I see that now?

Okay, cheer up – look on the bright side. Just a little further, and I’ll be there. Don’t let your hungry stomach, your weary legs, the burning heat keep you from the shelter. All this trouble will be over once you reach the peak. Just a little more – a few million more steps – and you can rest.

Erika 1: Okay, another day gone—time to buckle up for the next.

Erika 2: I'm way too exhausted to buckle up.

Erika 1: But you know you need to hurdle this day.

Erika 2: I know . . .

Erika 1: Erika, you remember the prize you so desperately want; why don't you lung for it?

Erika 2: "So desperately." Humph. "So hopelessly" more properly suits the case.

When you wish you could have what you yearn to do. When you wish you could be free. When you wish your world was so much easier – that you wouldn't struggle so. When you wish your time was spent so much more productively that you could almost die — that's when you get to the point where you either give up or strive on.