Sitting cross legged on the rug, fire crackling ,flames licking the glowing coals, hair still damp from the bath, loose and curling, a strand clinging to her cheek. Inspecting pruney fingers, a giggle catching in her throat, threatening to escape. Pleading for just five more minutes

 ~

teasing the key into the lock, her world refusing to focus. The cold night air brutally scraping against her skin. A swirling haze of vodka, giving respite to the fear of being caught. the ground cool, yet hard and unforgiving beneath tender soles. Heels tucked under her thumb, the beat of music still softly ringing in her ears, Crawling under the soft blankets, relief

~

Watching the rise and fall of his chest, a tiny fest scrunching the blanket tight. Moniter in hand, she slowly retreats, the silence pulsing, threatening to break and shatter the calm. A spin of victory once in the hall. peeping in at the small boy, gingery stepping around the abandoned trains to tuck the bare foot under the warmth. her boys

~

Gently flicking the light switch, a moment taken to breathe easy in the surrounding black. Fingers brushing the lock as she passes the door. safe. the solace of their room, the soft worn shirt. burying her nose and seeking comfort in the faintest of lingering scents. the absence of strong warm arms and heavy breathing, alone mow. grief

Seascape
young woman by the sea,fine art photography,sepia,coastal