The Quiet Between Storms

Santa Ana winds blow in.

The school day ends and I walk to my car and open up the car door.

A blast of warm hair hits my face.

I wilt slightly at the first breeze, more aware of the weight of the week.

I turn towards the ocean and feel the sun warming my skin.

Minutes go by as I just stand there, soaking up the sun’s rays like an iguana.

The sound of an engine nearby stirs me from my daydreams.

Shades on…check.

Seatbelt….check.

Windows down.

Roll out of the lot and towards the weekend.

I put my hand out the window and surf the current as I cruise slowly, meandering towards home.

No deadline.

No strict rules.

There is Saturday class at 9 a.m. and a sink full of dishes and a box of papers to grade that somehow followed me home but in this moment I am free.

Here is to the free moments, the quiet between storms.