Dream

Jessica gently closed the bedroom door. She turned on the bedside lamp; a soft, golden light that was just enough to soften the shadows. She placed Jason on the bed, but did not let go of his hand. Jason sat on the edge of the bed, his head down, his eyes closed, like a child who is exhausted.

Jessica went to the closet, picked up a loose gray T-shirt and soft shorts. Standing with her back to Jason, she took off her blouse and trousers, and put on her pajamas. The soft fabric settled on her skin. She turned back, looked at Jason, and smiled.

"Come on, sweetheart. One more thing to do."

She took Jason into her arms again, lifted him, and went toward the bathroom. She left the door ajar and turned on the light. She held Jason in her embrace. She picked up her own toothbrush, applied toothpaste, and turned on the water. She gently put the toothbrush into Jason's mouth.

"Open your mouth."

Jason obeyed; drowsy, tired, but with complete trust. Jessica gently rotated the brush, cleaned his teeth, and touched his tongue. She rinsed water and washed his mouth. Then she took a towel and wiped his face.

"All done."

Jason only nodded.

Jessica returned to the bedroom. She turned off the bedside lamp, leaving only the small hallway light on. She opened the bed, turning back the sheet. She lay down, pulled Jason into her arms, and placed him beside her. Jason was on her chest, his head under her chin, his legs between hers. Jessica’s right arm was around his waist, her left hand on his hair.

Jason's breathing became calmer.

Jessica kissed his forehead, then his cheek, then his ear.

"Sleep, darling. I'm here."

Jason whispered in his sleep:

"Thank you..."

And then, he was only asleep.

Jessica closed her eyes.

In the silence of the night,

there were two people who no longer had any distance between them.

Only embrace.

Only sleep.

Only home.