insomnia, popcorn and a daughter

It was late last night.

Very late.

Unwanted thoughts

rumbled in my head.

I got up, stepped over the dog

and tapped on Katie's door.

I love to curl up on her bed with its stuffed animals

left over from childhood.

I found Katie at her desk, and after a few minutes I yawned and felt so very sleepy.

Back to bed.

Wide awake 20 minutes later,

I padded back to Katie's room.

"Maybe I'm hungry."

"Let's make popcorn,"

her predictable answer.

And we agree on frugal microwave popcorn.

It goes like this:

Pour 1/4 cup popcorn in a paper lunch bag.

Roll the top down a couple of times.

Microwave for 2 minutes.

Salt and enjoy.

Absolute magic!

We are popcorn purists.

Katie's pops to perfection.

Mine burns and I run to the door,

afraid the smoke will set off the detector.

We watch a DVR'd show,

with our popcorn and apple juice.

And finally, at 2:30 a.m.

I say goodnight to Katie.

She's about to launch into adulthood.

For now, I'll enjoy

curling up on her bed,

giggling together,

and burning popcorn late at night.