Exhaustesd.

Looking at a pile of dishes.,
lunches to make,
a pile two people deep of laundry to fold on the bed.

I sigh.

Mom, Can I tell something? Sam asks from next to the floor heater, where he sits in the morning, or after the bath. Or when he has something important to tell me.

In a slightly exasperated, what else could I need to respond to now voice, I answer; What?

I just want to thank you for everything you do for this family. Is all. He says, smiling. Gentle.

Light pulses through my body; Thank yo sweetie. That may be the nicest thing I’ve heard all week, or year.

Pause.

Mom? Is that worth a marshmallow?

Laughter.

Yes, and several more after that.