Quiescence.

The memory of my first night in the countryside is still fresh in my mind. It's something I will hold close forever because it's one of those memories that unassumingly helped to anchor my heart in an otherwise unfamiliar place.

The sky slowly deepened into a deep and deliciously rich inky blue hue bejeweled with the brightest stars I had ever seen. They really did look like perfect little diamonds shimmering effortlessly and softly illuminating the tops of the trees outside my window. It was unusually warm for late Spring, the window was slightly ajar and a soft breeze brushed past the curtains and danced their way across my face.

Almost every aspect of life outside began to slow as darkness fell until eventually, complete silence ensued. It was a silence that could easily have felt eerie or isolating but instead it felt welcoming and comforting. The constant clamour of thoughts that had been tumbling around and around inside my head incessantly were hushed for nine glorious hours.

Quiescence fell.