The sky turns from blue to black, the night has become the world’s reality.

I rise from my bed, work clothes lying out for my usage.

A shower runs, coffee brews, and its smoke wafts like my mind as I continue to awake.

The dog returns from its morning urination on the fire hydrant and passes through its door.

He’s carrying a dead mouse.

It’s red with blood where his teeth gently grip it.

You knock on the door, a shiver riding your shoulder as a breeze passes.

I open it, smile, we hug, and you disappear inside.

I lead you to my kitchen and offer a teasing smirk.

The coffee mugs emerge from the brown hickory cabinet that Granddad had made.

Words are exchanged, and you, my friend, seem to relax.

The tension disappears from your face as we head out for breakfast.