The index
5 stories
Black velvet at the door. Tall branches framing the steps. Pumpkins gathered in cream, faded orange, and tobacco brown. The porch light already on.
The blankets are already downstairs, the movie was chosen before dinner, and one ridiculous snack is waiting under a dish towel.
Fresh notebooks on the table, new shoes by the door, cold drinks in the refrigerator, and a Monday morning everyone has already visited once.
The lamp at two in the morning, the basket by the rocker, the tiny clothes already washed, and a room that has been waiting with you.
Tree lights before sunrise, cinnamon from the kitchen, the crumple of wrapping paper, and batteries exactly where you thought they were.