Friday 5:30 pm
She greets me at the door.
I brace myself after my horrible day and her interruption early this morning.
With a small smile,
She hands me a cup of hot tea.
This time only the smell of her latest shampoo and the pleasant aroma of the tea assail my nose.
Why?
I wonder.
She leads me to my bedroom,
Saying there is a bath drawn already.
She wanted to put a bath oil in but couldn't figure out which I would want today.
She wants me to choose one.
No attempts to touch me, other than my hand as she pulls me into the bathroom
Then she is gone,
Quick on her feral feet.
So unlike this morning,
A complete 180 degree turn.
I'm bewildered.
She steps back in and gives me chaste kiss on the cheek
She smiles briefly and is gone again.
I wonder at her intentions.
She always has one.
She has left one of her big fluffy robes on the vanity for me.
What's this?
Fresh underwear and my box of supplies.
So that's what this is all about.
An apology for waking me up this morning.
I'll take it.
I sink into the warm tub
Gratefully sipping my cup of tea.
She slips in and refreshes my tea.
I'm still amazed at her solicitousness
Her unselfish behavior right now
I step out of the tub,
the warmth gone from the water.
I dry off and before I'm finished
She is behind me again
Holding out the robe for me to don.
I turn to thank her
But she is gone again
Ever silent as a cat
She never ceases to amaze me with that ability.
I slide into my bed
And just want to disappear
But what is this?
A note from Shalimar
"Sorry for early today, sweetie.
Anything you want or need,
Just let me know.
I'll be listening.
S"
I smile to myself
I could take advantage of this
But I'm much too tired and in pain
To think much more about it
I pull my comlink closer
"Shal?"
"Yes, honey?"
"Thanks."
"No problem."
"Wake me in 2 hours"
"Of course, sweetie.'
Sleep comes quick and peacefully.