Short story My Sanctuary by Bishop’s Stortford U3A creative writing group member Theresa Paterson

The latest in a series of pieces written by members of the Bishop’s Stortford U3A creative writing group, led by Peter Latham, which meets monthly, when they are set challenges on a wide range of subject matter.

Theresa Paterson has written the piece My Sanctuary after being given the words rain, garden and tea at random to be inspired by.

The rain began as a whisper, a soft sigh against the conservatory glass. Emma nestled in her old wicker chair, barely noticed. She was engrossed in the delicate wisp of steam rising from her china teapot, the earl grey swirls a pale amber as she poured it into her porcelain cup.

Outside, her garden, usually a riot of colour, was muted, softened by the downpour. The roses, heavy with raindrops, bowed their heads, their petals deepening into a vibrant pink. The lavender, usually buzzing with bees, stood still, its silvery leaves gleaming with moisture.

Emma slowly sipped her tea, its warmth spreading through her. She loved the rain, especially being indoors within her sanctuary.

A sudden gust rattled the glass and a cascade of water streamed down the pane. She watched a lone robin take shelter beneath the leaf of a rhubarb plant.

It was in these moments, surrounded by the quiet beauty of her rain-soaked garden, that she felt at peace. The world outside, with all its clamour and chaos, faded away, leaving only the gentle rhythm of the rain, the warmth of her tea and the quiet contentment of peace.