In autumn, there’s no traffic outside

By William Hardy

I’d wake up at all hours of the night at this time of the year. Usually, my phone’s lock-screen would read one or two am, but I knew if it was any later, I could kiss goodbye to waking up early. I’d ever so slightly pull the curtains back and take a peak down below at the silent street, after wiping the sleep dust out of my hazel eyes.

Tonight, I was propped up against my pillow, with my cold arms wrapped against my knees; where I began to sink into deep thought, staring at a bright street lamp. It’s not like during the day, not with all the buses and distant clank of the regular train traffic. No, at this time you could barely hear a pin drop on the tarmac below. Everyone else was either asleep, or doomscrolling under the covers, but then you’d ask yourself why. Why is this our life? Even now, I see people walking around, or waiting; but waiting for what? I’d ask myself over and over again, like I’ve got a problem that can’t be solved. That truly summarises my entire university experience, but there are practical solutions I can find for success. No, It’s because there is no way to truly switch off from everything outside your bedroom window. Not unless you spend that time awake, as I am now.

William Hardy is a Creative Writing student from Cambridge, England. He lives with his parents, sister and labradoodle. His work has appeared in The National Centre for Writing’s A Life Written Anthology and he is inspired by his own experiences which led him to start focusing on a writing path. He is currently in his second year of university.