Settling into the sounds of Sanna; comfort descends; a feeling of calm and certainty; certain of the future in this place.

Certain of the coming weather, for it can be seen; of the ongoing landscape, for it can be seen; and the knowledge that it will be there tomorrow and the next year, like a forever friend will be there for you, always, particularly when you need them most.

I breathe in and let out a relaxing sigh. Anxiety reduces, heart rate slows, and the rhythm of my breathing falls in step with the soft lapping of the waves. I stand and walk with my friend.

I pass a rock, the wavelets wrapping around in rapid succession, licking noisily at the faces. The waves break gently against the shore, rhythmically lapping the idyll into my inner core and saturating my heart.

Or is that the sound of the tears pulsing down my face as I realise I must leave this place? How long ’til I find my sanctuary again? How long ’til I walk again with my friend?! I walk on and feel the hopelessness of inevitability as my friend’s hand slips from mine, soon to be bolstered by the fortitude of certainty that this time will come again.