I left the hallway light on longer than necessary

Dear Delyara, Tonight I didn’t turn the hallway light off straight away. I walked past it twice, noticed it twice, and still left it on. I think some part of me wanted proof that I was not fully inside the night yet. As long as that light stayed on, the evening felt less settled, less final, less like I had already arrived at the private part of the day where I have to meet myself properly. It’s strange how often small practical things become emotional symbols when I’m tired. The light was only a light. And also, for a few minutes, it was permission not to fully land yet.