Ms.Sheila

The Night

...

Did I sense that he wasn't there in my sleep? I don't know. I reach over and feel the coolness of the sheets and my eyes search the room for him. Where is he? I get up and begin to look.....in and out of rooms.....checking......listening for his sound......looking for him in the darkness of the early morning. I glance outside to see his car. There it is......a familiar shape in the darkness.

Where is he? I begin my quiet search again. In the shadowy darkness I hear his voice. "Are you ok Sheila?" He has found me. I was looking for you I reply as the fear begins to fade. I'm sorry, he says. I couldn't get comfortable and knew I was disturbing you.

I sit beside him....helpless. Don't worry about that..... come back to bed. He returns to our room and settles down as my hand reaches to cover him. He is still for a moment before he turns again. I can't get comfortable, he says quietly. I am awake and puzzled by the sudden tears that remain my secret. Would you like some tea? I ask.

I put on the kettle, bring him tea then make my way up to my little room at the top of the stairs. I sit quietly looking out the window as night adjusts to morning.

I find a smile as I see my son-in-law drive his police car slowly past our home flashing his lights as he sees me in the window. He is checking on us......a daily ritual. Somehow it feels comforting.

I sit quietly for a few minutes then leave my little room as the tomorrow of yesterday begins......