XLIII. Sunday Shiver

The Little Martian flickers in and out of view from my beautiful pink room

“Are you sure there is place for me here? “ he asks, a little unsure, a little defensive, but only just.

“There is always place for you “ I remind him

He looks away and doesn’t say anything, We both know I've been a little caught up the last few days.

His eyes meet mine and I feel like a shitty friend, disconnected and self-absorbed.

It's been a while since I asked the Little Martian how he was doing, checked in on him, had a cup of coffee with him, and discussed his day.

My throat catches, a little lump forming at the base of my neck, its easier to forget the people you love when you're far away from them

The remembering keeps you torn between here and there. The only way to be fully here is to remember to forget.

“But I can be here for you”. The little Martina reassures me, his soft smile a slice of home .

His warmth has the strength to funnel sunshine through the clouds, slicing through the rain and letting the sun dapple through the frost

I feel a soft, warmth pass through me

It feels like home.