Vedant Bhagwat 

The Search For Freedom 

The breeze, a cold and freeing presence, flowed around me. I was careless but in a state of everlasting bliss. I jolted awake from my dream as soon as I heard my mom’s voice. She screamed, “We’re going to be late, get up!”. I quickly stood up. I hastily put on my clothes and grabbed a warm blanket for the car ride. Thankfully, I had already packed my bag the day before. That morning, we set off on a road trip from San Antonio to the Rocky Mountains. I was shocked to see how dark it was outside and realized how early we were. 

I immediately decided to catch up on sleep while we left for the Rocky Mountains. My tired, younger, and happy brother, Veer, slept in the car as well.  

The sun, a bright and hot star, blinded me and yanked me awake. The time in the car ride passed while listening to music and had funny conversations with my family. Finally, we had made it to our destination, the Rocky Mountains. That night, I belly flopped on my white, cool, big bed and slept. 

The next morning, I woke up refreshed and full of energy. Furthermore, we had breakfast at the hotel and left for the lush part of the Rocky Mountains. Our goal today was to get to the peak of the mountain, which was over twelve thousand ft high. After, we found a beautiful natural spot while approaching the peak. The area was very secretive and claustrophobic. There was a small waterfall and granite rocks surrounding me making me feel free and at peace. Due to the quiet peace, I had a flashback of my past accomplishments. However, all I could see was disappointment and failure. In addition, I didn’t have a complex purpose for life, I just existed. For a moment, I felt free in the mountains as if these worries could fade away on their own. I seemed to forget this notion while we were making our way up. We noticed a variety of animals and mountains alike. 

After one to two hours, we made it to the crux of our adventure, the summit of the Rocky Mountains. Running up the stairs, I saw the amazing view from the top. The tranquility I felt at the elevation was soothing as the cold wind ruffled my hair. As I peered over the horizon, my eyes grew heavy and the mountains engulfed me. The line from Vinland Saga, “Everyone is a slave to something,” vividly comes to mind. It talks about how people are chained to something like how I’m chained to desiring freedom no matter what. 

The freedom of nature called to me as we came across a lush mountain meadow. It had the smell of fresh flowers, sweet and pleasing. Bees zipped all around the flowers. My dad got out of the car and ran around like an adventurous child. His look of happiness while doing something so childish shocked me. His spirit and joyousness revealed to me that true freedom is mental clarity.  I discovered that true freedom is not about being tied to one goal forever. It's having the mental clarity to not be affected by it and solving the issue. It’s about being at peace with who I am currently. We got back into the car, and I put on my earbuds blocking out extra noise to reflect on myself. 

As soon as I got to the hotel room, I changed into my night clothes and tried to sleep. That night all I could think about was who I was meant to be.

On the last day, we went to view the Grand Lake and explore more areas. I couldn’t help but think after seeing the beauty of Colorado that retiring here would be the dream. My dad, noticing the tall, evergreen trees in the forest, was content.

On one of my trail hikes with my family, I took photos of me at a small stream jumping from rock to rock. However, I ended up slipping on a rock and fell back first into the stream. Yet, I was not infuriated by my family's laughter at me. I deeply appreciate my family and how much they’ve done for me. Their bubbly atmosphere, from my little brother’s energy, to my dad’s jokes, and my mom’s cooking, brings me real bliss. If it was not for them I wouldn’t be who I am today.   

On our way home to San Antonio, we stopped at Amarillo for a night. As I looked around I realized how rundown and poor it was compared to San Antonio. The stores were small and the parking lots were near empty. But in return, the place had more nature. Thus, something about the place was unusually soothing. It was like the exchange for the emptiness is peace. My family had some Indian food for dinner and we slept. 

For my last breakfast of the trip, I had plain toast with butter. I was not ecstatic about that but I rolled with it. Looking at Amarillo I realize that they weren’t liberated. The mood was depressing but soothing. I accepted the truth, knowing it couldn’t be changed, a cold and harsh reality. As I took a moment of silence all the pieces clicked. My purpose, freedom and how humans are all tied to something. I realized that my purpose and true mental clarity is found through dedication to myself and my identity. 

By the end, I discovered that freedom is not escaping struggle. It’s accepting myself and choosing my own path.