This one came in with the sun. Quickly, beginning with heavy limbs and an emotional torpor, while out walking the dog. The shattering blow came on the 2nd flight of stairs. A flash of light and a split second blackout and it was on. Twenty more feet to the door and another fifteen or so to the bedroom. Had to peel off the clothes which were already soaked in a sticky sweat. Even the pillows hurt. A cols burn.

Breathing deep and slow. In, hold, and then out. Breathe through the stabs of pain. Focus on a single word. Chant quietly. Vibrate a low tone on the exhale. Slowly in and out.

It didn’t leave quietly as it sometimes does. There are times it all simply stops as suddenly as it starts. No, this one lingered all day and threatened to swing back in. A slow thud behind the right eye. Nausea. The nausea finally came and that is sometimes a good sign, signaling the end of a spell. The end of a cluster. It doesn’t seem so certain this time though. Sixteen hours later now and the nausea and the dull pounding is still there. Coming back up the stairs just a while ago and two flights had my chest pounding. Back in bed and my skin feels dry and hot. Bleached.

Low lights. Low energy.

Just low.