The Quiet

It isn’t noisy and it isn’t quiet. It is that something in between that is undefinable. That dull buzz or the hum of lights that breaks the quiet. Why isn’t it noisier?

The hardware store is a hub of activity on any given day, except today. There was no reason for it. The sales were still running, the day was still sunny. But there was quiet.

I was greeted at the door with an obligatory ‘Hi. How are you?’ But those were the last words I heard uttered until I made my purchase.

The quiet had me, all at once, I want to get out of there and I wanted to stay. We are accustomed to noise with kids in the house. Silence means trouble.

But the silence was also welcome. The bright lights, the buzz, the merchandise gave off a calming vibe. Neat rows of well displayed products that one day I might need.

I found what I was looking for, paid my $60 and began to exit. It was then that I heard the familiar noise of my children’s giggles and happy chatter as they investigated the sheds on display. Quiet gone. Balance restored.