Knees drawn to my chest, I sit in my favorite green swivel chair in the cold den, the one the dog and I constantly fight over. A blanket is covering my legs, arms hugging my bent knees, a warm mug of tea in my hands. The steam seems almost tangible, I try to circle a tendril with my finger to no avail. Kristin is laying on the couch with a blanket to her chin, mug of tea on the end table next to her, sudoku book next to that, and remote control deftly in her hands. One dog is at my feet on the tail of my blanket, the other dog is stretched along Kristin’s body like a 50 lbs pillow. The children have all gone to their beds with few arguments. We will soon put the dogs in their beds and rest our pretty heads as well. Good nights are abound, sanity reigns and fears allayed.
A subtle finger trace along her chin, following her cheek and finally catching a tendril of hair behind her ear. Kristin looks at me like I’m crazy, smiles, and then goes to turn off the TV. Even though the dogs know their place they jump on our bed showering it with more hair before being shooed away. A new day soon approaches and a new year will soon be on us shortly. Good night all.
