Cycled home even though it was drizzling pretty relentlessly because I really wanted the ride.

Skidding briefly on a slippery metal grill, getting thumped by hibiscus bushes and trees heaving with rainwater and hanging lower than usual, the flying splatter of water and grit. Pedalling through a dark, quiet industrial area and passing uncleared offerings by the side of the road and a completely smashed up car and telling myself never again to take this route, not at night.

Thinking that those sensations were all part and parcel of being alive. Thinking, even though I felt silly for having the thought, "This ride is for you."