The dishwasher hums.
The clothes are folded, still warm from the dryer, and I tuck the basket under my arm to carry up the stairs.
The lunches are packed, the backpacks sit by the door, the shoes are lined up on the mat.
The order forms for school pictures have been completed; boxes filled, cheques written, envelopes sealed.
The fish have been fed.
The door is locked.
The weight of the day has settled on my shoulders.
I make my way up the stairs and tiptoe into first one room and then the other.
The hair is brushed out of her eyes and a kiss placed softly on her cheek.
The radio is turned off, the blanket placed close enough for him to find it when he reaches out for it through the night, as I know he will.
I tiptoe back out, blowing each one last kiss.
The teeth are brushed, the face is washed, the lines around my eyes are examined.
The clothes are ironed and hung on the back of the door, waiting for tomorrow.
The feet are slipped under the blankets.
The alarm is set.
The glasses are put on the table where I can reach for them in the morning.
The head rests on the pillow.
A sigh escapes my lips as my hand reaches out and finds its home, wrapped in the warmth of another.
The day is done.
It will start all over again tomorrow but for right now, let’s turn out the lights and enjoy the stillness, whispering in the dark.
Good night.
Man, this list makes me want to go back to bed!! It’s so easy to get lost in the busyness of all these little things to go. I’m glad you took a moment to acknowledge them all and put them to rest. And put yourself to rest.