I stepped through the doorway of the rectangular room and immediately felt the pull of quiet and dimly-lit corner to my left. I barely noticed the man in the chair, sitting perfecty still, back straight, arms crossed, eyes cast downward. I took the seat next to him. I knew he wouldn't make small talk.
Small talk rarely occurs in this room. Maybe that's why I like it here.
A couple of strangers and a few familiar faces appear in the doorway and find a seat for the hour. As someone closes the door, the group at the opposite end of the room ends their conversation and room goes quiet. Finally. My favorite part of the night.
As the usual introductions are read I let myself sink into the meditative warmth of this room, the words, these people - these strangers, these friends.
