Waking up

It began like any other Monday; mom had troubles starting the Beetle, traffic congestion made progress slow, and Mrs. Andersen welcomed me with smiling eyes and a warm hug.

When mom left, we set up the croquet game, played until noon, and then ate pasta on the terrace.

At naptime, I got under my quilted blanket on the couch. Mrs. Andersen closed the blinds, sat down next to me, sang in her soft voice, and stroked my hair until I slept.

I dreamt about the sunflowers in the garden – I often did.

Then a child’s voice woke me up.