Nate Morris - Outside Reading 1

In reading the novel, Testimony, there was a moment in the story when one of the main characters, Silas, decided to hike up into the New Hampshire mountains in the dead of winter, and end his own life. It was these very mountains that had been an integral part of his life when he was dating his girlfriend, and the love of his life, Anne. After he was sure that their relationship ended, and after his mother was found to be having an affair, Silas did not see any reason to continue on with his life, and sought to peacefully bring it to a close in the one spot where he could still feel comfort and solace. This place was sacred to Silas, for the spot was one of many where he and his girlfriend spent valued time together. And now, in the midst of losing it all, he has returned to this sacred site, and, in choosing it to end his life, he makes it sacred for scores of other people as well.