To Read...

Another prompt:
What is your favorite place to read and why?


I love reading anywhere, but I like peace and quiet as I read. Reading is a time of solitude, of meditation. A little music, maybe some white noise, but no talking. I read alone.
I think a favorite time of reading for me was during spring break, while we were working on a show... I think it was "Into the Woods." Rehearsals would go from nine in the morning to past ten at night each day, and there was often a lot of hurry-up-and-wait time for the smaller parts like mine. Being a bit of a loner at times, I sought out a spot in the Mraz Center where there would be no one to disturb me, but where I would still be able to hear if I was needed.
There weren't a lot of choices for me. There were always so many people! So much distraction. I yearned for my own place... far away from others, where I could immerse myself in what I was reading.
After a while, I found my spot. On stage left, there was a flight of metal stairs. Where those stairs stopped, about ten to twelve feet up, was a little platform that led to a catwalk door. The platform was small... three by four feet at most. The perfect size for reading. I clambered up the steps and made myself comfortable. It was hard to do. I was basically sitting on a hard, metal net, and the holes made sitting uncomfortable. I spread out my winter coat upon the platform, and that gave just enough cushion. I set my script on the banister, so I could check it from time to time, and I sat down and began to read.
I was reading Stephen King's Wolves of the Calla. Part of the Dark Tower Series. And I read and read. I don't think I have read more at one time before then. Even after everyone was let out for lunch, I just stayed up there, ate an apple I had brought, listened to my ipod, and read some more.
At times, I would look up and see what was happening on stage. It was the perfect view. I could see the backs of the actors, hear what they were saying, and see the directors sitting in the audience, taking notes. It was so nice.
People would pass by underneath me, but none knew I was there. No one bothered to look up and see the girl with the book staring down at them. I could hear some of their conversations at times, catch little bits of gossip. But when I didn't want to listen, I didn't have to. I could turn my head, and suddenly return to my book. It was wonderful.