It is a strange thing for a Brisbane resident to be hot, but dry. I got excited every time I heard a rustle through the trees for the brief sweet relief of cool against my skin. But every time I was bitterly dissapointed as hot dry air rushed over me, accentuating the feeling of my skin burning, my core overheating. It was a type that heated the very centre of my being and radiated outward, while also surrounding every inch me.

Just get to the library.

The sky was a rare blue. Pale, and hazy, but not a cloud in the sky. The colour faded towards the horizon, like the earth was radiating heat that scortched and discoloured the sky. The sun perched slightly to one side against the seemingly endless background. The sensation on my skin was instantaneous, reminding me of the enormous power of the beast that could burn me from millions of kilometres away.

Just get to the library.

My lungs felt tight. I was gasping with every breath, never quite getting enough oxygen into my body. I stopped in the shade, but not even the shadows cast by strong concrete buildings could deter the relentless heat created by the suns beams.

Just get to the library.

My mind ran in circles. It’s so hot, just get to the library, it’s so hot. Over and over, a kind of strange meditation as all other thoughts and worries dissappeared and my mind was forcibly concentrated purely on the here and now. It was almost a relief to have this menacing heat to focus my attention on, an overbearing presence that demanaded all of my attention. A distraction from the everyday stresses of life.

Just get to the library.

A brief cool gust of air rushed over me as I walked past an open door. Never has a Foodworks looked so inviting. I contemplated walking in and just standing there, letting the cool wash over me and relieve me. But the library was only a block away. Push.

Just get there.

One more block. One more street crossing. One more walkway. One more metre. One more step.

Relief.

Air conditioning.

Sweet satisfaction.