Photographic artwork by Kris Saknussemm
In Nome as a teen, other teens were dying at a fast rate. It felt a bit like Russian roulette. But early adulthood was like stepping into a park, surrounded by professionals. The air felt filtered and controlled, like the inside of a 747. It was stunning to see people who found this safe existence normal.
With age, the familiar ghost town catches everyone. Some are frightened by how naked they feel. Others find the vacation from it is simply over. Planes have to land. It is not less tragic or sad, it is just not unfamiliar.
