"A whole new world of productivity", proclaims an email in my inbox.

I snort. Yesterday afternoon the husband returned after wandering the town, laden with bottles of water, beer, fruit, chocolate, pistachios, and instant coffee, and promptly fell asleep on the sofa. After the last month, so hectic with work and social obligations, I wouldn't be surprised if we just slept all day during our holiday.

I lay in bed until dinnertime, under a book, dreamily observing wavering geometric patterns of light cast on the dusky green sheer curtains. Beyond them was the view of a terracotta-roofed carnation-pink house and more terracotta rooftops. Above everything: a cloudless blue sky as boundless as the peace of that rare hour, beholden not even to desire.

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