The day had begun as it always had: the alarm clock shrieking loudly in her ear, reminding it was time for her to get up and, in turn, she would wake him up. He'd just moan and pull the covers over his head, complaining about how morning comes too early and he'd hop out of bed if it warmed up.
That was him. Her baby.
But she didn't care. It was routine and she loved it. Of course, his little temper fit would only last a second before he slid out of bed.
This is how it is. Or at least, how it was. The day had started the same, but this time, he wasn't there to complain about getting out of bed. She lay there a couple more minutes, her hand on his pillow, wondering where he was and what he was doing. She wiped some stray tears and went down for the coffee. There she would stare intently at the phone, almost willing it to ring, but it never did.
He tapped his phone card on the counter. He knew he should call and that she'd be waiting. But, he couldn't seem to make himself. After all, what would we talk about? She'd tell me about Courtney and Joey and all I've can say is 'Oh, the sandstorms aren't that bad.' He thought. Still, he knew she had the right to know why he was delayed in coming home. Hesitant, he picked up the phone and dialed the numbers.
She heard the phone ring and ran to answer it, but barely missed it. She heard his voice over the answer machine. "Hey baby! It's me. Guess you're getting the kids up. Sorry I missed you. I just really wanted to hear your voice again. I love you and I'll try later. Bye."
The sadness in his voice brought her to tears. She played it again, just to hear his voice. Her daughter clung to her leg and she looked up at her and in the sweetest three-year-old voice, Courtney asked "Can we call Daddy back?"
She looked down to her tousled head blue eyed baby. "No, honey. Daddy will have to call us back."
"Will he?"
She knelt down kissed and her head. "Of course he will. Let's all go and get ready. We'll have a day that's just for us and we'll take lots and lots of pictures so Daddy can see them, kay?" She stood up.
"Kay." The little tow-headed girl ran to her room.
A day for just us. No John. She began to feel the tears forming and she wiped them, composing herself for the day ahead.