Chapter 1: The Disconnect

The hike was nothing short of spectacular. We encountered a family of deer, spotted two soaring eagles, and even caught a glimpse of a porcupine. My heart raced with excitement; adrenaline coursed through my veins, making me feel more alive than I had in ages. Suddenly, she halted in her tracks, raised her phone, and declared we needed to head back.

“I lost service,” she announced. “Can you check yours?”

“I left my phone in the car,” I replied, noticing how my words seemed to deepen the rift between us.

“What? Why would you do that?” Her disbelief was palpable, her gaze sharp as daggers.

I had been consciously trying to forget my phone, seeking a sense of liberation reminiscent of my childhood explorations in the woods when I was twelve. “I don’t know. I just left it behind,” I shrugged.

At that moment, I realized from her expression and the tension in her posture that our relationship was on the brink of collapse. It felt like the end—completely severed, like a bygone era.

With a dramatic eye-roll and a look of disbelief, she turned away and began her descent down the mountain.

“Really? Come on! We’re almost at the top!” I pleaded.

“There’s no cell service here. Sorry.” She continued her descent, unfazed.

“Can we at least discuss this?” I called out.

“Nope,” she said, dismissively waving her hand as she walked away.

Left standing alone, I did what any sensible Canadian would do: I found a flat rock, removed my backpack, and unpacked my lunch—a tuna sandwich on rye with organic mayo and Dijon mustard, complemented by a refreshing can of Steamworks beer.

As I cracked open the beer, I tried to amplify the sound of the tab popping, hoping it would carry down the trail, but she was already out of sight.

The journey back to the car was a lengthy six kilometers through rugged wilderness. Having hiked for over three hours, I paused to appreciate the clear blue sky and, after a sip of my cooling beer, inhaled the invigorating scent of pine and sycamore. The solitude around me was both comforting and poignant, stirring memories of childhood abandonment.

One moment she was there, sharing laughter and smiles; the next, she was gone, leaving only silence in her wake.

After finishing my sandwich and beer, I remembered I had the car keys. I pulled them from my backpack, realizing I also had the bear spray.

While I didn’t wish any harm upon her, I couldn’t help but think about the potential awkwardness of her waiting at the car for me to show up. But more than that, I considered how this would affect our drive home. So, like any reasonable gentleman, I hoisted my pack back on and took a deep breath of the fragrant air, setting off after her.

It took nearly an hour to catch up, and while she seemed relieved to see me, we both understood that the end was inevitable. Each glance in her eyes told me we were not meant to be.

Such moments, while seemingly trivial, often signify deeper issues within a relationship. Sometimes, letting go is the healthiest choice.

I remain optimistic that one day I’ll find someone special, a partner who can embrace the freedom of disconnecting from technology and enjoy life in the moment.

I realize this may seem like a tall order, but the earth and mountains have a way of reminding us of patience.

Chapter 2: Reflections on Connection

In the first video titled Colt - Break up with your cellphone feat. DIEGO (Official Music Video), the struggles of modern relationships in a tech-driven world are illustrated through catchy visuals and engaging storytelling.

The second video, Breaking Up (and Making Up) with Your Phone, delves into the challenges of maintaining connections in an age dominated by screens and social media, prompting viewers to reflect on their own relationships with technology.

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. If you enjoyed my writing, please consider clapping, following, or leaving a comment. I value your engagement and promise to explore your writing in return. If it inspires me, I will happily follow you back. Embrace the day!