Almost Sleeping

"Mamma?" Small muffled voice, sleep very nearby.   

"Yes?"  Hand stroking hair off forehead.  

"Can you tell me a story?" Quiet rustle of small legs under cotton covers.  "Please?"

"Well.  What story?"  Soft light from one small lamp.  Stuffed animals in a heap in the big basket. 

"The one where the little girl is going to sleep and her mother tells her a story."  No movement, no sound.

"Oh, that one.  I remember it.  That's a good one."  

"Mmm hmmm.  Tell it.  I like it."  Small hand reaching out, small hand exploring big hand, its knuckle wrinkles, ring, palm, nails, warmth.   

"Once there was a little girl who was all tucked into bed and ready to sleep, but..."

"What about the stuffed animals and the covers?  That part, too."  

"Shhhh.  That part's coming."  Two hands, lying one on top of the other, reassuring.

"Mamma?" The small voice again.

"Yes?"  

"You smell good.  I always know it's you.  Good night, mamma," a sigh, quiet breathing.

"Good night." Face bending to kiss hair.  Tears, warm love tears, soft child scent.  "Good night."