India, Aug. 29 -- Homesickness is more than just a word; it's an emotion that quietly unsettles the soul when one is far from home, in unfamiliar land or among strangers. But what exactly triggers this feeling? Is it the physical structure we call home, the brick-and-mortar walls? Or is it the human presence, the warmth of loved ones, the everyday sounds and silences that create belonging? Or perhaps it's the little things: A familiar bed, the placement of furniture, the scent of a room, objects that lend a sense of comfort and security.

Such existential dilemmas often lead me to think of Albert Camus' short story, The Guest. In the story, schoolmaster Daru lives alone on a remote plateau, a harsh, unforgiving landscape with unpredictabl...