After the guests are gone. After the leftovers are put away. After the last dirty wineglass is dried to a mirror finish, that’s when she can finally breathe. Everyone had a good time. The food was delicious. The conversation stimulating. She loves having people around. The house humms with energy and activity. But there’s nothing like solitude – the peaceful, undisturbed silence that comes when she’s alone. She lets her guard down. Her shoulders relax. Nothing can hurt her.