I woke up really early; I sat on the couch and stared out the window; I must have fallen back to sleep.

I dreamed about you.

I dreamed that I was on the sidelines of a soccer game. Madeline had just run over to give me her earrings, which is weird because the holes in her ears have long been closed. I was trying to figure out where to put the earrings, when you came up behind me, gathered up my hair, and kissed the back of my neck. You had on jeans, your green hoodie, and your blue baseball hat. You put your arms around me, and I could feel and smell your warmth, and when you leaned over and pressed your cheek against my face, I whispered that I missed you. You laughed and whispered, “why?” Your voice was so tender and your eyes were so blue and so full of life.

Your hands were so warm.