It Came Back

It came back.

This time as a tide; a slow rise of cold water snuffing out each flame I held close.

Each ember dripping with doubt and diffidence.

Self-imposed isolation, trying desperately to keep the cold from taking over.

Friends reached out.

Friends went silent.

Family remained silent.

I couldn’t reignite the flames.

Then a single text.

A singular friend with a singular message:

"Come over, I’m making dinner".

Not a demand or an order, but a request without room for doubt.

A hand held out in the dark.

I couldn’t see the light, but I could feel it.

So, I closed my eyes and followed the warmth.