Between the Balustrades

I open my eyes  

alert my ears- 

It is dark,  

and I am tired,  

but my plight is stronger than that

I can hear her downstairs, 

the television a low hum,   

I rush from bed, 

grab my dressing gown, 

and quietly creep down the stairs, 

pausing at my vantage point-  

Between the balustrades.

I hover, 

listening out for another voice, 

I squint to see through the gap 

in the living room door. 

Tonight, I am in luck- 

she is alone. 

I creep through the doorway  

as she turns to see 

 that it is me, 

“I can’t sleep” I say. 

“I was having the nightmares again. 

 Could I just stay here for a moment?” 

She moves her legs from the sofa, 

makes a space for me. 

I quickly take it, 

lean into her soft, plump body, 

and close my eyes. 

I stay like that-  

terrified  

that the slightest movement  

might send me back 

to the shadows of my room. 

I hope she forgets I am there, 

let’s me stay 

nestled in her scent, 

wrapped in the warmth 

of her presence.