Refuge

I awake in the night. My brain full of activity, not wanting to sleep. I get up, careful not to wake those sleeping on the floor around me. My sleeping-bag seems to scream in the night. I escape down the creaky stairs. I find the outside door, and am greeted by the cool embrace of a 2am breeze. A bench sits a few meters away, beckoning. I sit on the cold wooden slats, and sway gently. Rocky hears me come out, and has come to investigate. Satisfied that it is only his master he lies down a few feet away. I am tempted to go to him and run my hands over his cool and soft fur, I like his ears the most. But I don't. I am safe here, under the fluorescent security light, with my dog close by. No one is awake to disturb me. I have found my refuge, my quiet place.

I am content.