Living Without Dreams

Chapter 15 - Some Assembly Required

            Without a clock, Susan had absolutely no idea what time it was when she awoke the next morning. What she did know was that the sun was fully up and streaming through the bathroom window, her husband was still sleeping soundly, and she felt more rested than she had in a very long time.

            “How are you?” Greg asked as she returned to their bed after using the bathroom.

            Susan raised an eyebrow at him. “There’s that question again. I’m fine Greg. How are you?”
            “I’m feeling good, thank you for asking,” he said ignoring her reference to their conversation the night before. “Are you planning to sleep more?” he asked as she lay back down.

            “I was thinking about it, if we have time,” Susan said.

            “How do you mean?”

            “I mean, how soon do we need to get up in order to be ready on time to take you to services?”

            “An hour ago,” Greg told her.

            “Oh no! We’ve missed it? Why didn’t you wake me up?” Susan demanded as she sat up.

            Greg reached out and took her hand, guiding her to lie back down.

            “I didn’t because I wasn’t planning to go,” he told her. “David’s synagogue is too far to attend on a regular basis and I have not yet had the opportunity to identify a local temple to attend. I’m sure there is one, I just haven’t found it yet. Besides, the Sabbath is a day of rest, Susan. Rest and renewal, and that is exactly what we all need. What better way to observe that commandment than to let the entire family sleep in?”

            Susan gave a grateful moan as she lay back down, stretching a little as she settled herself once more against her pillows.

“I think that is a very good idea, my faithful husband. So are you going to sleep more too?”

“I was thinking about it,” Greg said. “After I use the bathroom.”

“Hum. That’s what got me up too,” Susan murmured.

            “Be right back,” Greg said as he disappeared into the bathroom. He didn’t linger however and was quickly back. “That sun coming through the window in there is brutal,” he said as he got back into bed.

            “It is, isn’t it,” Susan said. “I think we might need some curtains or shutters or something to deal with that.”

            “Another thing to add to the list,” Greg agreed. “Along with lamps, a clock, and nightstands.”

            “Most of which we have in our bedroom box,” Susan reminded him.

            “Not the nightstand though,” Greg said.

            “No, but we have those ordered. And until they arrive we can use one of the packing boxes … or better yet, how about a couple of our folding TV tray tables we used to use in the living room when we had company?” Susan suggested.

            “Those would work,” Greg agreed. “And you’re right, we do have those in our boxes. I think I really am looking forward to Monday … even though I know it represents a tremendous amount of work for us all.”

            “Yes, but we have the weekend to rest and prepare for next week, so we’ll be ready,” Susan told him. “I do wish we had our griddle though. I’d like to make pancakes for breakfast today.”