It is 8:30 in the morning.

Exciting news just came in the mail.

I have been crossing my fingers on this for so long, and now I do not know how to react?

I am walking out the front door in cotton clothing, although I do not realize it yet.

I can immediately feel the cold breeze brushing across my skin, and I am starting to get goosebumps.

I walk to the waterside regardless, because only there am I truly alone.

Or maybe with some company—my thoughts, just the two of us.

As soon as my bottom touched the bench, came the teardrops.

Several minutes later, I find myself weeping and snuffling.

It is a rush of emotions; confusion, luck, gratitude, escape, and freedom.

The tears are almost dried up now.

I am at a standstill—my body, my thoughts, my entire surroundings.

It feels like a moment of calm, so gentle and meek.

An oasis of serenity amidst the chaos of life.

Am I in a trance? Is that what this is?

Something tells me to embrace the stillness and let it guide me. I oblige. 

The silence endures for a while.

I can hear a dog barking from a distance.

I am startled.

Did somebody press 'play?'

Seconds after, I start to shiver, and clearly I have been out here for too long.

I take a deep breath and let it all fade away.

Now I am conscious enough.

Maybe I found strength in the stillness.

Maybe I found the peace I unknowingly but desperately sought.

I rub my palms together, blowing air between them, so I feel warm, at least.

I start to jog back to the house.

There is a cup of brown coffee waiting for me on the kitchen counter.

It is a beautiful and bright day after all.