SOLITUDE
Feeling the heaviness, I thought I would drown. Everything was so blurry, I feared I would go blind. I was afraid—lost, unsure of where to turn. My right became my left, my steps uncertain. Even as I tried to crawl forward, the laughter and chaos of the crowd pulled at me. But I was exhausted. I needed to rest. Then I saw a curtain. No one else seemed to notice it, and curiosity stirred within me. I hesitated, the familiar voice of caution whispering, "Mind your business." But something stronger urged me forward. I reached out, drawing the curtain aside—and there it was. Struck by its beauty, I ran in. "Where is this place?" I whispered. Thinking I was alone, I startled at the reply. "The place your heart has been yearning for." I twirled, lifted my gaze, closed my eyes. A smile broke free. Then laughter. Then tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. "This is Heaven," I breathed. I needed this—oh, how I needed this. Away from the noise. Away...