Today was much better. / By Anna Grace Askelson 

Today was much better.

I walked to the library at 9:30 at night and I distinctly felt peace, calm, and joy. 

The air was just cool enough for my body to feel comfortable but for my face to chill and blush.

I walked through King Quad and I saw no one, I just absorbed the gentle hush.

Different colored lights illuminated the world around me: a glowing blue from the door of one

building, a vivid orange from another.

The streetlamps shone on the trees and made patterns on their trunks.

I imagined what it would be like to lie with someone under those trees, how it would feel to stay

in that cool stillness with the warmth of a hand on my cheek and my waist, 

But I stopped.

And I realized, slowly yet suddenly, that I was satisfied.

I was happy to be alive.

Happy to be in that moment, just by myself and for myself.

I want to love, but nights like this remind me I can first love myself.

And love the cool air, the chill stillness, the calm structure of the trees, and the colors dappled

around the lawn,

Just for me.