Light Through the Blinds

Sunlight slipped through the blinds in thin, patient lines. Exposure to natural morning light helps regulate circadian rhythms, which supports better sleep quality, mood stability, and cognitive performance throughout the day (Czeisler et al. 2177).

Even brief daylight exposure has been associated with reduced fatigue and improved alertness (Cheung et al. 389). She stood still and let the light land where it wanted. Acceptance felt like this. Not forcing the day awake, but welcoming it gently.

Works Cited (MLA)
Cheung, Irene N., et al. “Morning Light Exposure Improves Alertness and Mood.” Sleep Health, vol. 2, no. 4, 2016, pp. 384–391.
Czeisler, Charles A., et al. “Bright Light Resets the Human Circadian Pacemaker Independent of the Timing of the Sleep-Wake Cycle.” Science, vol. 233, no. 4764, 1986, pp. 667–671.