I'm sitting at the computer in my bedroom peering at my email. I do not want to be awake. David started yelling, "It's morning!" at 7 a.m. John took first shift, so I got to lie in bed until 7:45, but I'm still bleary eyed and slow moving. Rose is standing in the hallway naked. She's finished her morning ablutions and on her way to get dressed. I turn my swivel chair, get up and meet her in the hall. I hug her naked body to my nightgown. I bury my head in her hair and kiss her.

I drop Rose off at Aunt Julia's house to walk to school. Usually, she just hops out of the car, but today she wants a hug. I twist in my car seat. It's awkward and uncomfortable and probably wrenching my back. I give her a hug.

Rose does not want to stay at the dinner table. She wants to be excused, to go read her book on the couch. David will not keep eating his dinner if Rose leaves. So, John and I decline her request. She pouts. She squiggles. She lies down with her head in my lap. I stroke her arms and shoulder while I eat.

I am going out dancing. Rose barely notices because Sally the babysitter is here. But before I go out the door, Sally sends Rose over. We hug. I say, "Goodnight, sweet dreams, I love you." She says, "Sweet dreams, I love you, goodnight." Like we do every night.