"So, you're staying then..."

Recently I overheard a conversation between a young woman, about thirty or so, and a man, perhaps in his forties. There were the usual pleasantries and then the woman said,

"Hey, I've bought a house!"

The man smiled, "Wow. That's great."

"Yeah, it's a nice little house over on Sixth and whatever that street is. I can't remember the name."

"So, you're staying then..."

There was a brief pause and the woman replied,

"Well, I have been here for ten years you know."

 "Yeah, that's what I'm saying. It looks like you're staying."

Small towns aren't always easy places in which to live. Living in the North has its challenges too. 

Putting down roots. Making a commitment. Staying. 

And when does one begin to belong?