By Jeremy Dunn (New, Whisper, Spring)
The harsh sounding of the alarm clock jarred her from a pleasant dream and she sunk lower in the bed. Thinking about the lists, those endless lists of daily tasks, seemed to sap every ounce of available energy she could muster. She thought, “Does anyone even notice what I do?” She made her way to the shower, knowing that it was only a matter of time before the chorus of hungry voices would assail her.
As she stepped out the shower, she couldn’t help but notice a whiff of maple, a hint of vanilla. Her curiosity peaked; she quickly dressed and made her way downstairs. A trail of powdered sugar led to where a chair was pushed against the cabinet. Bright smiles and sticky fingers thrust a plate toward her. “LOOK WHAT WE DID, MOMMY!” Her husband slipped a cup of coffee in her hand as he whispered, “we love you.”
A feeling of warmth closed around her and a new sense of purpose added a spring to her step. Giggles filled the kitchen as her exaggerated expressions offered a glowing review of their efforts.
“Moments like this make it all worthwhile,” she thought as she kissed each syrupy head. “What makes this even better is knowing you are going to clean it up,” she said as she winked at her husband.
The harsh sounding of the alarm clock jarred her from a pleasant dream and she sunk lower in the bed. Thinking about the lists, those endless lists of daily tasks, seemed to sap every ounce of available energy she could muster. She thought, “Does anyone even notice what I do?” She made her way to the shower, knowing that it was only a matter of time before the chorus of hungry voices would assail her.
As she stepped out the shower, she couldn’t help but notice a whiff of maple, a hint of vanilla. Her curiosity peaked; she quickly dressed and made her way downstairs. A trail of powdered sugar led to where a chair was pushed against the cabinet. Bright smiles and sticky fingers thrust a plate toward her. “LOOK WHAT WE DID, MOMMY!” Her husband slipped a cup of coffee in her hand as he whispered, “we love you.”
A feeling of warmth closed around her and a new sense of purpose added a spring to her step. Giggles filled the kitchen as her exaggerated expressions offered a glowing review of their efforts.
“Moments like this make it all worthwhile,” she thought as she kissed each syrupy head. “What makes this even better is knowing you are going to clean it up,” she said as she winked at her husband.