I Took the Long Way Home

Dear Delyara, I took the long way home from work tonight, even though I was tired and wanted to be in bed early. I think I just needed a few extra minutes where no one wanted anything from me. No messages. No decisions. No replies. Just the sound of the road and the strange comfort of not yet having arrived anywhere. When I finally parked outside the house, I sat there longer than necessary. It’s becoming a habit, this delay between public life and private life. Almost like I need a small emotional waiting room before I can become myself again. I wonder if other people do that too.