*I said that the last time it happened, would be the last time.*
*I lied.*
I started my morning off the same as I did every morning.
After a hot shower and a cup of coffee, I waved my wife off as she drove away to work. I then went upstairs and slipped into a suit before walking along the hall to wake my step daughter up for school.
“Brie?” I said gently as I knocked on the door. “Wake up, you’ll need to start getting ready for school soon.”
*Silence.*
Usually she responds in some way, even if it’s a zombie-like groan to at least acknowledge that she’s awake.
“Brie?” I repeated a little louder.
When there was still no response, I slowly opened the door and poked my head in. The overwhelming fragrance of a young girl’s room met my nostrils; the combination of cheap perfume and dozens of lotions and potions and lord knows what else.
I peered over to Brie’s bed where I saw her laying perfectly still with her sheets wrapped around her up to her neck.
I walked over and gave her a light nudge. “Wakey-wakey. You have school sleepy head.”