Excitement coursed through me when I first found out. An unexpected free evening followed by a quiet morning. I could go to bed when I wanted without factoring in trying to get you through the bath and into bed. I could get up when I wanted and know take as long as I needed without wondering when you 2 would get up and start fighting as seems to be the usual when you come. I could finally get some sewing done without feeling guilty about not spending the time with you! You would be having the fun you wanted and then when you came around lunchtime I would be refreshed and ready for you.
The evening came, and went. The morning also came, and also is gone. A bunch of sewing got done. A trip to the library. Cleaning up. Vacuuming. Dusting. Things I used to get done but not so much anymore. The house looked spotless. Too spotless. There wasn't a hockey stick lying in the hall. The hockey gloves stayed in the spot I had put them hours ago.
And now, the afternoon is leaving and it is almost evening and you are still not here. And I miss you and wish you were here. And while I miss your presence and even your mess, a small part of me does not miss the emotions that surely will come with you, like they always do.