Do Kyungsoo tightens his palm around the rectangular gadget that people unlike him obsess over, simultaneously biting his plump, pinking lips in deliberation. With a flick of his wrist, his phone cuts through the whipping wind, shrinking from his view as it plunges into the cold mist that covered the jagged surfaces of the mountains. If he listens carefully, he could hear it whistle against the strong gale. Good riddance, he thinks, not dwelling long on the decision he made as he sits down and closes his eyes.

This has been his routine for three weeks now, trekking Mount Tai early in the morning and meditating until dusk nearby every temple he discovers, taking shelter as residing monks amiably welcome him when darkness begin to envelope the skies. He’s seen better views, inhaled better air, felt better sensations, but the fulfillment of finding what’s left of the Taoists and their temples were so far unparalleled. Shortly, he recalls that he needs to be on the road again soon, off to another country. Where and how however, this he doesn’t wonder.

What he does wonder about is his purpose in life as he had everyday since the day he left Seoul.

On Your Wings by Iron & Wine

Thistle & Weeds by Mumford & Sons

Erase and Detach by Isbells

St. Clarity by The Paper Kites

Straight Into Your Arms by Vance Joy

The Memory is Cruel by Russian Red