Outside the Edinburgh Waverley station, I saw Marley, the brown dog whose master, a vagrant, had allowed me to stroke her when I was last there. This time, I was determined to observe my surroundings as opposed to the last time, when I had blinders on, and thus, I was able to assimilate the aura of the Old City with begrimed structures as I walked on its inclined roads. I missed company, dearly, when I toured Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. By listening to music and reminding myself to embrace the solitary life, I made an effort to lift my spirits.

I understand that it is ill-advised to walk to a dark and desolate place alone on a night, but seldom have I allowed such apprehension to deter me from exploring precious places. The trail to Arthur’s Seat was devoid of people and light, so naturally, I was drawn towards it.

The coincidence of a dreamlike place and a certain moment, and the acknowledgment of its realisation, caused sheer wonderment. Some sights can indeed move one to tears. Joy and gloom engulfed me as I beheld my surroundings. Of course, I was ecstatic to have finally arrived at a place akin to the one I had only seen in my mind’s eye years ago, but I could not stop brooding over the absence of a beloved companion to share my delight with.

The little pond glimmered in the light of the moon hung on the soft sky. Mesmerised, I lay on the damp earth, and watched a sequence of drifting clouds keenly brush the solitary moon. Soon, a forsaken tree called out to me. Placing my body on her withered branch, I caressed her wind-swept skin with love.