The house is silent. Kid is with the grandparents. Wife sleeping in. It’s almost noon.
I’ve been up since seven.
I know you need your sleep.
I know you are tired.
I feel like I have to tiptoe around, as if every creak of the floor could wake you up. I worry that any sound might break the calm rhythm of your snoring.
I’m careful brewing the coffee, checking the mail, feeding the cat. Writing this.
You don’t notice these things -- but then again, that's the whole point.
I know this is what you want.
Covers. Quiet. Peace. Sanctuary.
…more covers.
Yesterday was our anniversary. Dinner, movies, a bow-topped bag filled with baubles to make you smile. But I knew the gift you really wanted. The thing you were really wishing for.
This gift I’m giving you now.
I would much rather give you something else. But I know this is what you really want. What you really need.
I lean in the doorway to check on you. You're enjoying your gift.
Happy anniversary, I whisper.
I’ve been up since seven.
I know you need your sleep.
I know you are tired.
I feel like I have to tiptoe around, as if every creak of the floor could wake you up. I worry that any sound might break the calm rhythm of your snoring.
I’m careful brewing the coffee, checking the mail, feeding the cat. Writing this.
You don’t notice these things -- but then again, that's the whole point.
I know this is what you want.
Covers. Quiet. Peace. Sanctuary.
…more covers.
Yesterday was our anniversary. Dinner, movies, a bow-topped bag filled with baubles to make you smile. But I knew the gift you really wanted. The thing you were really wishing for.
This gift I’m giving you now.
I would much rather give you something else. But I know this is what you really want. What you really need.
I lean in the doorway to check on you. You're enjoying your gift.
Happy anniversary, I whisper.