homecoming

"i hate everything!"

her cry echoes through the house
against the slam of the door,
the windows shake from the force
and her angry footsteps
as she throws off her jacket
and kicks off her boots.

I'm in here sweetheart.

i say it lazily, softly,
and it drifts to her.

she continues to stomp
and kick and pout,
cleaning up the mess she's made
and making herself a snack.
angrily throwing down the bread
and condiments for a peanut butter
and jelly bagel.

except we're out of jelly.


she storms into the living room,
livid, fire streaming from her eyes,
and then, upon seeing, melts
docilely into my hug,
tucking herself against me,
our sleeping daughter in my other arm.