The “I love you” Coffee

Mornings are hard for me. And everything else going on right now isn’t making them easier. I’ve found myself distracted, frustrated, and feeling lost.

I’m worried about what happens next. What kind of world will my boys inherit as they become adults?

My boys…

Sleeping later than I should has become common. I’m also slower getting ready because my focus is elsewhere. It feels like an unbreakable cycle, where most days start on the back foot.

This particular morning started with a knock on the bathroom door. A familiar scene was playing out: I still wasn’t ready for work, and it was nearly time for my youngest son to leave for school.

“I can take him.”

The Architect’s words were soft. There was no accusation in her voice, but it still felt like a failure.

During the week, my mornings revolve around taking my youngest son to school. It’s our time to catch up. We listen to music, talk about whatever’s going on inside of his head, and usually find a laugh or two.

We both need that time. It’s special.

And the days I have left for these moments are shrinking. I don’t want them to evaporate because I can’t motivate myself in the morning.

Eventually I finish in the bathroom and make my way back to the bedroom to finish getting dressed. My head is full of dread and regret. I look towards the dresser for my wallet, watch, and phone.

That’s when I saw it.

Before she knocked on the door, she had gone out for coffee. She already knew I was running late, and she already knew why. She knew it wouldn’t be the last day that would feel like this. She’s hurting too.

She didn’t say anything. That’s our way. We’ll eventually talk about it when words find us. In the meantime, her gesture said everything.

“I’m here for you, and I love you.”

Thank you for finding this site again.

It’s taken me several years, but I’ve finally finished a few changes. There’s a new section for fiction with space for new stories. The Traveler series now has a proper home, including some artwork I licensed from Shutterstock. I think it adds a touch of refinement (the design takes inspiration from the serialized comics my youngest is always reading).

I’ve got a few writing projects in the works and it has long been time to start publishing again.