Your first afternoon nap at home

December 8, 2025

Your first afternoon nap at home

You slept on the couch next to me, with mama's hand on your foot the whole time. The kettle clicked off and I didn't get up to make the tea because I didn't want to break the spell. The cat watched you for a while and then left the room as though she'd seen enough wonder for one day. I sat there counting the seconds between each breath. Forty-three minutes — I checked when you woke. You stretched the way you'd stretch for years to come, and then you cried. I made the tea after.