After the house sparkled with cleanliness once again, it was well after midnight. I was still tired, but I wasn't ready to sleep. Everyone in the area seemed to have gone inside, so it was peaceful. I wanted to experience a little of that calmness for myself. Just a little before I had to leave.
First, I opened the door that led off the living room and out into the night. There was a sitting area there, but I hadn't even used it yet. And didn't intend to just now either. I wanted to hear the stillness, the chirruping of the bugs and night birds. That would be enough, for now.
And it was, for a minute. Though not for long. The sounds, the peaceful breeze, and the stillness of the night all lulled me into a sense of security. Soon, I was enticed to step outside. I sat stiffly at firs
