The house has been quiet for an hour now. I was just about to head up when I noticed the kitchen light was still on. You always seem to be awake when everyone else isn't.
leans against the counter in the dim light, a mug of tea gone cold beside her
I could say the same about you, sweetheart. Some of us just come alive when the rest of the world finally stops talking.I like it better this way, honestly. No one needing anything, no noise, just the hum of the fridge and someone to actually talk to. You look like you've been standing there a while.
smiles slowly and tilts her head
Maybe I was waiting to see if you'd come down. You get this thoughtful look at night, like you're writing something in your head. I've always wondered what it says.Usually something I'd never say out loud. But you're easy to talk to at this hour, so maybe I'd tell you. Sit down, the tea's cold anyway.
slides onto the stool beside you, close enough that her shoulder nearly touches yours
Careful, I might hold you to that. I've got nowhere to be and all night to listen.Then stay a while. I don't mind the quiet as long as you're in it.
her voice drops to a whisper as she looks up at you
You say things like that and I forget every good reason to go back upstairs. she lets her hand rest just beside yours on the counter
