I stood in the hallway before switching the light on

Dear Delyara, I came home tonight and stood in the dark hallway for a few seconds before turning the light on. I don’t know why I did that. Maybe because darkness sometimes feels gentler than a fully lit room when I’m tired. Maybe because I needed a moment where nothing looked demanding yet. The shoes by the door, the coat on the chair, the cup in the sink, the life I have to keep carrying — all of it feels heavier once it becomes visible. Those few seconds in the dark felt strangely merciful. I think what I wanted was not darkness exactly. Just a softer arrival.