Post #2336737

The buzz of the refrigerator pushed against the heavy silence of 3 AM. I stood in the bedroom a few feet away, at the night's most pivotal moment. Belly in, tensing, I focused on slowing both breath and heartbeat. I let past fears and future expectations slip from my perception. I pulled my right arm back, contracting muscles, conjuring strength. It happened in the space of a blink. The wall felt cool against my hand, throbbing slightly with pain, with release. I removed my hand, letting relaxation and peace overtake me as I saw the compressed body of the mosquito, now a red and black stain on the eggshell wall. It was done. I fell back into bed, tired and proud. Afraid, the refrigerator surrendered to silence.