Stare into the dark

Beside my face, glowing red –
11:58 . . . 11:59

I stare
into the dark.

Somewhere a train
whistle blows
sharp
short.

Sirens wail, then fade.

Dog barks.

Car vrooms a challenge,
squeals
roars on

but my tensed body pleads
for that familiar hum . . .

then
door slam
click
step, step, creak

the sweet sound of teenage feet . . .

Beside my face, glowing red –
12:16 . . . 12:17 . . .

Violet Nesdoly is a freelance writer from Surrey, B.C.