Throwing open the bedroom curtains, I am astonished to see a powerful brightness, and to feel it swathe me in its warmth.

After what seemed  like an eternity, the sun had finally deigned to rematerialize in all it’s brilliance and the day appeared translucent and vivid. So dissimilar to the preceding days of pearly shadows and bad news, While incessant rain dominated the environment and the sky had looked as if it were in hiding, waiting for a chance to pounce. Ready, at any minute, to decant onto our shoulders, our own depravity and foolishness, but its unlimited judiciousness had prevailed, and we emerged from a long winter to meet today.

By night an imperial mistral had swept away the last cold kiss of winter, leaving an opening that was almost instantly filled by a gentle, caressing breeze. 

I take pleasure in drinking in this fresh air, so full of life, warm-ish and kind.

I don’t care what the date is, my spring starts today.

I take a full breath of air through my nose, smelling it, while filling my lungs, and hold it there for an instant, enjoying.

I noticed that even “apartment cats” in their gilded cages smell the air before making up their mind to finally endeavour out onto the balcony. This occurs most often when it is cold, as if they were testing the quality of the outside.

I too live in an apartment and can honestly say that today I feel just like a “free cat”, who has no need to smell the air before venturing out, because, quite simply, he is already out.

It is not my habit, and even though I have never been there, I will go to the bar in the centre. It is famous for its aperitifs and I intend to savour one, because this day merits something special, a touch of something different.

I think I will wear something casual, – perhaps quirky is more suited to this day of freedom and inquisitiveness, and indeed my mood. I will not put on my Sunday best, which would be slightly difficult, as I don’t even have one. I don’t like the clothes kept just for that day and I don’t feel Sunday-ish but rather like a cat, free and inquisitive.

Going into my room, I emerge five minutes later ready to go. The strong desire to be outside facilitated my getting dressed quickly, if somewhat oddly.