The Nap

I was up most of the night. 
At least that’s what it felt like. 
My daughter wasn’t feeling well. 
So I became her nurse and
her someone to talk to. 

Until the silent darkness
turned into the next day. 

When the sun finally came up
and we had all settled into our routines… 
My body was begging for sleep 
so I laid down for a nap. 

And it felt like a bliss. 

I could feel my muscles relaxing. 
Giving way to the one thing
I was craving for - 
pure and undisturbed rest. 

But all of a sudden I felt
a little tapping on my shoulder…

“Not now, my dear…
Mommy really needs to sleep.”
I mumbled to my son. 

“Mom! Look!” 
He cheerfully whispered. 
“Look, mom!”

“Darling,
I really need to sleep for a moment. 
I am very, very tired...” I continued. 
Hoping that he will understand
my necessity for a good nap. 

“But mom!
This is really important!
Look, mom!” 

He was persistent. 

So I opened my eyes. 
And there he was -
beaming with pure joy. 

And in his little hand was…
a single peanut. 

“This one is for you! 
I thought you might like a snack!”
He put the little nut in my palm 
and gave me a big hug…
Before running off to play. 

I was left there in a mix of emotions. 
And a tiny peanut in my hand. 
Knowing that moments like these 
will soon be rare to find. 

With love,
Elina Janevica

Imagery / My son, 2024 / Photo by Liene Pētersone