The morning quiet broken by the return of the percussion from the building site, soon scents of coffee rise into the cool air, head fluctuating but no worse than would be expect, the residue of the day before lingering upon the periphery but nothing to offer warning or continuation. A second cup, gazing out upon blue sky, a slight chill in the air, a perfect day for a longer walk, the temptation of heading up onto the, very slightly, higher hills...

On a bike, moving through the morning traffic, half aware of a dull thump gnawing upon the edge of things as I cycle, expanding into solidity as I climb the stairs, not so much residue as resurgence. By the time I reach the first rest point it's obvious that there's no point in continuing, that optimism has been ambushed by reality, find myself trekking back down the stairs, left eye shuttered against the assault of the sunlight.

Another afternoon spent hiding, looking out across the skyline as it begins to sparkle, evening shapes bright against the darkening background, the clarity of small lights sparkling, identifying distances by their small constellations.