it is dark outside.
i climb back into bed after feeding the wee man and snuggle under a warm and toasty blanket. i burrow my head into the pillow and dream of another hour of sleep. just enough to get me rested for a new day of tasks, and challenges, and responsibilities.
then i hear it.
pitter patter. pitter patter.
he is coming.
ughh…not yet. please.
"mooom," he whispers softly. "moooooooom."
i pretend not to hear him. that one hour is still mine. i have already claimed it.
but he wants it too.
reluctantly, i roll over and peek at him from under the blanket.
"go back to bed." i urge.
but he remains steady. staring.
i slide out of bed, pick him up, and carry him back to his room. this hour will not be taken from me. no it won't.
the covers flop over me again and i settle in and close my eyes.
not two seconds later i hear it again but faster this time.
pit. pat. pit. pat.
"moooom. bed. up."
i turn over. reach for his arms. and hoist him close to me.
he sighs. and i do too.
i lost.
a meaningless hour for an irreplaceable moment.
on second thought.
i won.
