But from here, the death of the road could be seen like lead. By Carlos del Puente

 Emerging from the shadowy embrace of the woodland, a quaint cottage beckoned, its ivy-clad walls casting hypnotic patterns against the setting sun. A gentle hint of smoke curled from the chimney, suggesting a cozy hearth warmed by the day's last embers. Solitude blanketed the landscape as nature's symphony played one final melody, silhouetting the world in hues of twilight. The journey had been arduous, but the sight before me offered solace and promise for the days ahead. As twilight deepened, the cottage seemed to glow like a beacon, its windows inviting with the soft flicker of candles within. A comforting sense of home waited, nestled within the protective forest. The snap of a twig underfoot accompanied my footsteps as I drew closer, the symphony of nature still playing, but quieter now, like a lullaby in the gathering dusk. Enveloped in the serene embrace of the deepening twilight, I approached the house, feeling the warmth of the candlelit windows seeping through the chilly evening air. The intricate patterns of the ivy danced in the moonlight, and I could almost hear the whispered secrets they held. The gentle crackling of the fire, promising friendship and warmth, welcomed me as I grasped the cold doorknob. With a hesitant pull, I entered the dimly lit space, ready to embrace the solace and the promise of a peacefully restful night. Drawn by an inexplicable allure, I pushed open the treasured sanctuary's door, greeted by the scent of wood and hearth. The room, dimly lit by the candles' soft glow, awaited my presence like an old friend. The flickering shadows danced upon the walls, weaving tales of times long passed. A worn armchair, settled by the hearth, invited me to rest. As I sat, the fire's gentle flare crackled, promising evenings of stories, solace, and peace. The world outside continued its lullaby, but within this cottage, I found a haven, a refuge against the chill of the twilight night. The flickering candlelight danced across the worn wooden ceiling, casting familiar patterns that I'd come to love. The softly humming fire, now housed in the hearth, shared its warmth, filling the once-empty room with a sense of belonging. The room had become my refuge, a sanctuary where I sheltered from the world outside. The scent of burning logs and leather from the armchair enveloped me, comforting me as the symphony of the twilight world continued to play. I settled into the chair, my eyelids growing heavy, feeling the exhaustion of the journey slowly fading away. The secrets held within the ivy became a lullaby, whispering peace and contentment. As the twilight deepened, the outside world seemed so far away, and I felt cocooned in the gentle embrace of this tranquil cottage. With the world hushed, I surrendered to the sweet dreams that the hearth and the ivy offered, promising rest and another day of promise. The hearth, now a gentle ember, pulsed with the rhythm of slumber, its warmth seeping into the fibers of my being. The candles dimmed like flickering stars, their light fading to velvety shadows. My eyelids grew heavy, the whispers of the ivy lulling me into deeper dreams. The world outside seemed distant, shrouded in a veil of twilight. I surrendered to the promise of slumber, feeling the safety and contentment enveloping me. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, but tonight, I found solace within the walls of this tranquil refuge. As the moon took its place in the star-strewn sky, the world was hushed, and I embraced the darkness, surrendering to dreams painted by the hearth and the whispers of the ivy. But from here, the death of the road could be seen like lead.

By Carlos del Puente