Bitter Sweet

Silent Mornings

In the quiet morning Tobin's bare feet danced against the cold kitchen floor. In her new morning routine, she soaked in the rare silence and allowed herself to appreciate her life.

She was surprised to find that she no longer minded the drastic changes it had recently taken. She began enjoying things like the way her coffee became caramel colored as the milk infused itself in the dark liquid.

Recently becoming an avid coffee drinker, it brought peace to her conflicted mind and desires. She'd drink it anytime of day and it was quickly becoming something she loved about herself. A quirk that she grew into, and knew it was one that she would be loved for someday.

The thought of being loved again brought a sly smile to Tobin's face. She knew it would be the kind of love that was filled with favorite books being read aloud, camping on cool fall weekends, messy tabletops, and coffee for two during late nights.

Tobin wondered how she liked her coffee. She imagined she liked it black. That she would enjoy bitterness, the way it stung her taste buds.

Tobin would put her three packets of Splenda, way too much fat free milk into her coffee, and grab the cup of fresh black coffee for Alex. She imagined they would relish in how, much like thier coffee, they viewed life with sweetness and bitterness.

The sound of bare feet tapping against the floor brought Tobin back to her surroundings and she quickly took a small sip from her cup. As a small moan forms in her throat she turns to welcome the day.

" Good morning, " she whispers, as she kneels. Tobin admires the wild hair girl, as she rubs the sleep from her eyes.

"Good morning mama," her little voice heavy with sleep. Wrapping her arms around Tobin's neck, wordlessly asking to be held. Tobin lifted her daughter, taking in the scent of her just woken hair. The thought of black coffee far from her mind.