Walking the dog at night is underrated. It’s the one errand that comes with a quiet street and a good listener.

Some errands come with company and no conversation, which is a rare combination. A dog on a quiet street asks nothing of you, so the walk becomes whatever you need, a chance to think or a chance to stop. Movement helps as well, since things that will not untangle sitting down often loosen while you walk.

Take the longer loop tonight, with nothing in your ears for the first half. If there is no dog, borrow the format and walk somewhere familiar, late enough that the street is empty. Say out loud the thing you have not said to anybody. Nothing on that street is going to repeat it.