Second bedroom

He knew it would be coming. It always does. Starts with the opening of the bedroom door at the end of the hall. The footsteps on the carpet that needs to be changed overtop the old hardwood that sequels in protest under the pressure. Eight, or perhaps nine steps down the hall and she’s here.you knew that she would be. She always us when they fall asleep in the bug bed. She on her side closest to the clock radio, E. On her side closest to the door. You left them six hours ago. They lay facing each other. As if deep in conversation, mother and daughter, only with their eyes closed and the duvee pulled up under their chins. The slow rise and fall of the blanket. The silence as you close the door. The sequel of the hard wood under the carpet that needs to be replaced as you walk softly as you can to the other bedroom. To sleep and wait.