The Sanctuary of Solace

The cacophony of passing cars and distant howls of wind feels simultaneously familiar yet alien to Moon, who hasn't ventured outside of the house in weeks. The weather has shifted from mild to biting cold, with snow lining the streets. Each inhalation of the frigid air weighs heavily on her chest.

As she drives, tears mingle with the chill on her cheeks. She lets the tears roll while holding onto the wheel, cautiously driving. She will not let anything happen to her, for she still has Pearl, her only daughter now. She has been fighting hard to shake the grief; the loss of an unborn child has been a constant ache in her heart.

Parking the car, she sits in silence, staring out at the familiar path she used to walk daily. "It's time," she whispers to herself.

With hesitant steps, she ventures into the snow, the world around her seeming a bit foreign despite her short absence. The softness of the snow has immensely softened the ruggedness of the towering old oaks, radiating a warmth unfelt before to Moon. It is as though she needs to rediscover the park where she used to have a walk daily and life itself.

Moving quietly, she allows the snowy landscape to envelop her, warming her with a friendship only known by nature. Standing by the pond, she takes a deep breath and exhales with all her strength. Today is the day to breathe the unbearable grief out into the cold and wind.