I trudged forward over the steep embankment, leaving the Lincoln Memorial behind in my memory. My right foot dove into the thick grass and muddy earth, and suddenly kicked up a "Y" shaped stick. I paused for the shortest second to consider the omen, but immediately pressed on.
Many times I wanted to turn back, reach down to the earth with both hands and grasp it- pull it close to my chest. Instead I continued to put one foot in front of the other, moving forward directionless, regretful, and thirsty.