She lies awake, listens to rain pelt the windows.
She is certain
they must have spent sunny days together,
can't remember one.
She curls up beside him, yearns
for a cup of tea.
Sleep has smoothed his face
left him defenseless.
She has always envied his ability
to surrender so completely to sleep.
Her lips lightly graze his face
and she slips out of bed.
Curtains billow as she passes the window.
Wet wind fills the small room.
She huddles near the stove while water heats.
The gas flame glows blue-white in the darkness.
She grabs the kettle before it whistles.
Jasmine-scented steam rises in a cloud around her.
Her hands warm themselves on the cup.
She drains her tea, returns to bed. Lightening startles
the night sky. Rain redoubles its efforts.
He reaches for her, murmurs her name.
She is content.