A moment to pause
I take a moment to pause. I’m in at the next stage of my Hogwarts Legacy mission. I hit the pause button and breathe a slow sigh of relief. The hyper-focus required to defeat the deadly stream of Loyalists has rewarded me with a clear mind. Whoever said that video games couldn’t be good for your mental health?
I take a sip of my still-cooling coffee – black and so strong it could slap you in the face – brewed for 5 minutes, perfect. A bite of my iced bun compliments the dark roast beautifully, flavours mixing and melting on my tongue.
I stretch my tired limbs with a groan and savour the ache of my muscles post-workout. I take another sip of my coffee, the mug warming my hands as the steam rolls into the air and that beautiful scent fills my nostrils.
I adjust my hair turban, drying my damp hair for me so I don’t even need to pick up a hairdryer. I drink more deeply from my cup, the literal paused game on the screen reflecting a symbolic pause in time. The flat is gloriously quiet; the stillness like a warm embrace.
I finish my iced bun with an outward groan of appreciation and the noise rumbles through the silent air satisfyingly. The last sip of coffee is as delicious as the first, anchoring me in this moment just for me. I smile broadly and feel a rush of gratitude for this pause in time – no way to know if the entire world has paused, too, and it’s a powerful realisation.
I pick up the control, sit back, and press play.
Note to reader: This is an older entry that I found and wanted to share with you. I loved the writing but I also found that the moments where I used to find happiness were the moments when I was alone and felt able to relax and embrace my surroundings. I find this beautiful and also extremely saddening; only a couple of months ago I was at my happiest when I was on my own.
