It is August 2025, and I just re-signed the lease on my apartment with my three beautiful roommates. This marks the first time I have lived an entire year in a single location without needing to move since mid-2022. After a year living at my grandfather’s house, my then girlfriend and I moved to New Jersey for a few months, then on to Kayla’s couch in New York City, then finally to an apartment. After the relationship collapsed, I was jettisoned back home, then back to my grandfather’s house, then on a farm, then all over the farm because of renovations, then my childhood home in Middleton, then Connor’s couch, then Mark’s bed, before finally finding this lease here in Malden. Miraculously, the lease didn’t collapse, and here I am today one year later.
Let me tell you: it is awesome to have a stable room! Most of you reading this probably take that for granted. My stuff can be taken out of boxes and displayed on shelves. I can decorate. I can accumulate more stuff without worrying about where it will be stored. Not having to worry about moving in a few months allows me to relax. That numb feeling, that “here we go again..” is hopefully vanquished forever! Well, vanquished for a year at least. I do not know if our coalition will hold for a third lease, but there is plenty of time to sort that out.
I am extremely grateful for these circumstances, to say the least. While my time as a nomad was educational, I am not interested in living that way again. However, with my back against the wall, I know I can handle anything life throws at me.