This year of “transient stability” also helped me build trust in a beautiful world. It’s hard to admit this, but I was somewhat terrified of living in towns. I’ve spent most of my life trying to extract myself from mainstream society; I’m comfortable living on the edges. But people are hilarious and complex and vibrant everywhere you go. I met a lot of people who became special to me, and I’m grateful to everyone who let me into their lives.

— Laura Killingbeck, Adventures in Housesitting, 2025