The things that matter

I sit quietly staring at the television screen, giving the illusion that I am actually watching the game this time.

"Oh! Did you see that? That was awesome!" he says, commenting on some play that just happened.

I don't hear him.

"Baby?" he says.

I still don't hear him.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

I hear him this time and just shrug. He looks at me sympathetically and purses his lips as if asking for a kiss. I dutifully kiss him.

"I'm still bummed," I state.

"I know, but I love you!" His eyes light up. He is convinced that is all that should matter. I smile weakly but at least I'm smiling.

The sounds of the football game fill the room. After a time of pretending to watch the game, I get up and walk towards my room. I leave the door open fully intending not to fall asleep, convinced the the noise will keep me awake.

I wake up when he lays beside me, but only enough to know that I will fall back asleep in a matter of minutes. He hugs me close, lays there for a time and then whispers in my ear,

"You know I love you. You're my girl."

I hear him as if in a dream and then fall dead to the world for two more hours.

I wake up happy, refreshed and alive. I wonder why there is such a change in my mood but then I remember
"You know I love you. You're my girl" and I smile. Maybe that is all that matters.