Safe at last

She said goodbye to her colleagues.She wrapped herself in her warmest coat, wound a cosy scarf around her neck then headed off into the wrath of a winter’s night. She pressed her brolly into the freezing wind and screwed up her eyes as the driving sleet assaulted her cheeks with a thousand icy needles. A passing car splashed through a puddle sending a shower of glacial spray into her face. She walked past traffic lights, red amber green, red amber green; they hurt her eyes. A frustrated driver honked his horn, and her heart missed a beat. Noise rain, sleet, water, light, dazzling light. If she wasn’t awake it would be a nightmare. It was a waking nightmare.

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Two more corners and her home would be in sight. One more corner and the street light that stood outside her window would glow like a beacon, welcoming her home.  A few more steps and she’d be safe. Safe from the hostile world outside..

The door closed behind her with a comforting clonk. For a moment or two she stood in the hallway and closed her eyes. It was warm. It smelt good. It was quiet, the silence sounded good.

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Soon she was sitting in her favourite chair. A log hissed and crackled in the hearth, and the flames which embraced it sent an orange glow into the room. Her shadows danced around the walls like lifelong best  friends. She drew up her legs beneath her and hugged her favourite cushion.

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Two worlds. One beyond the curtains, hostile harsh and frightening. One within, secure, snug and cosseting. Safe.

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Written for Sunday Scribblings prompt, Safe