I asked for a day off today. The weather was too lovely to stay inside. I needed fresh air. I needed to walk barefoot, touch grass, hug trees. So I packed some snacks, water, my book, journal, pen, and my hammock, then headed to Cougal Cascade. It wasn’t the weekend, so I prayed it would be quiet.

The road to Cougal Cascade was breathtaking, lined with purple jacaranda trees. My Spotify was playing the “Perfect Days” playlist, my nostalgic one. Every song reminds me of summer afternoons, when everything felt young, wild, and free. Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks might be my favourite; it always makes me want to sing along.

I found a quiet spot and set up my hammock. Finally, I felt alive again. Nature heals me in ways I still can’t explain. The sound of the stream caressing the rocks. The birds singing. The gentle breeze. The trees whispering. I realised how much I enjoy my own solitude.

I picked up A Thousand Splendid Suns again after almost ten years. I’ve always loved Khaled Hosseini’s writing and storytelling. And for a moment, I felt so grateful to be alive.