Chasing the Moon

One

I am awakened by the first chirps of the birds, the sun getting ready to make its grand appearance over the mountain.

My feet are cold as I rub the sleep out of my eyes, peering across the room to the wood stove. No glowing embers remain from the fire I started before crawling into bed last night.

The only source of heat I have came from the little sleeping body that was cuddled up next to me, sippy-cup half hanging out of her mouth and she snored quietly.

My little Nova.

I quietly crawl over her and shiver as my feet touch the cold floor. Making my way over to the stove, I set a few pieces of wood into it before lighting a match. The fire catches easily and I shut the door.

I peer out the window into the trees. A light frost coats the pine needles and gives off a blue light under the shadows of early morning. The night patrol group walks quietly through the trees back to the pack house, kitchen lights already glowing as the cooks prep for breakfast.

I turn to my own little kitchen and begin to take ingredients out of the small pantry, setting them on the counter. The cabin heats up quickly and I settle into my morning routine.

I crack eggs into a bowl and stir them up before putting a drop of food coloring into them. Nova's new obsession was the book Green Eggs and Ham.

Going to the fridge, I take out a package of ham from the deli and dice a portion into little tiny pieces. Setting it aside, I pour the eggs into the pan and sigh at the satisfying sizzle. Nothing better than cooking.

"Momma?"

I turn towards the little sing song voice.

"Good morning my little Nova."

She rubs her eyes with her free hand, the other clutching her cup. She walks over to the table and climbs up into the chair and settles in with a sleepy smile.

"What are you making?" She asks curiously.

"I'm making your favorite," I say, giving her a knowing look. "Green eggs and ham."

She gives me a big smile, her dimples breaking my heart. "Thank you so much momma!"

I laugh. "Of course, my little moon."

I turn back to the stove and listen to her prattle on about the movie we had watched last night. For a three, almost four year old, she was very well spoken.

Finishing up the food, I put it on a plate and set it in front of her, taking her cup and washing it with the other dishes.

"I'm going to go shower for work, stay inside please," I say as I walk by Nova.

She nods her response, mouth full of food. I go over to our dresser and pull out some clothes before going to the bathroom.

It was a very little bathroom, much like the rest of the cabin. Just enough room for a little shower, a toilet that I was always bumping my legs into, and a sink that my knees touched when I sat on the toilet.

I stripped and got into the shower, letting my muscles relax as I mentally prepared myself for the day. I let my worries wash down the drain, where they could stay for this moment.

I got out and dressed quickly in dark leggings and a cream colored sweater dress. Light makeup followed, and I let my hair towel dry.

I step out, instantly looking for Nova. She's sitting on the bed trying to dress herself, pants getting caught awkwardly on her foot. I smile to myself watching her struggle and I can see how annoyed she is from my spot across the room.