quiet differences 166/366

this morning, 
for the first time in nine days,
it was quiet while I sat in the library alone, as usual,
reading my Bible
journaling
praying
thinking 

it is quiet tonight as I sit alone on the couch
for the first time in as many evenings
and this is a quiet I have become accustomed to 
but it still feels abnormal
this kind of quiet presses in on me
it makes my ears hurt
the difference is subtle but very real

this morning Sarah and her girls were snuggled in beds here
knowing they would soon be up and about made the quiet feel different
they left late this morning and travelled safely 
and tonight they are in their own nest
Beth left for hers yesterday, 
so mine is,
once again full of empty quiet