First Light

5 the woods

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Marlo:

It's nearly 4am, the time of night when my mind just wanders. I lie in my bed, staring up into the darkness. I switched the projector off about two hours ago, thinking that might help me get to sleep.

Ha. Wishful thinking that was.

I feel restless, just lying here, doing nothing. You'd think I'd be used to the insomnia by now.

I switch on my phone, wincing at the sudden brightness, and watch the time displayed on my lock screen turn from 03:56 to 03:57.

I decide to get up, grabbing a jacket and headphones as I head out. I make sure to be as quiet as possible when locking my bedroom door so I don't wake the other three.

The cold air outside is refreshing once I step out of the accommodation, taking my usual path down to the woods. It's still dark outside, not that I expected anything else. Only a couple of cars pass me on my way there. Everything else is quiet, calm, as it should be.

This is the kind of thing that brings me comfort.

I like watching the stars when I'm out here. I don't think there's anything more beautiful than stars.

I take the same trail that I've taken millions of times before. The woods aren't huge, so they aren't the kind of ones that you could get completely lost in. Which is very good for me. It means that I've been able to find the best paths to take and the best spots in the woods to be, even when other people are here.

So I can get away from it all. Just for a moment.

I don't usually do this a lot. These little trips down to the woods at a time when everyone should be sleeping. Just occasionally. A couple times a week, maybe three. When I really need to.

It helps me. Helps clear my head and drown out the Bad thoughts and emotions that are usually running rampant around my mind. Just for a few minutes. A few minutes of peace.

This feeling that being in the woods gives me is a feeling I wish I could experience for eternity.