I opened my eyes this morning to find Lydia lying next to me. She had migrated into our room in the night, and was now sprawled out on the half of the bed that I usually sleep in. I had been pushed all the way to the opposite edge, and my wife was no where to be found. As if sensing that I was awake, the little girl slowly opened her eyes and smiled.

I smiled back and ran my fingers through her hair. “I love you,” I said.

Still smiling she replied, “I love me too.” and then rolled over and fell back asleep, a five year old princess taking up 75% of a queen mattress.

I nodded, stared up at the ceiling for a few seconds, and then went to find out where my wife had been exiled.