The heat from the coffee mug warms my hands,
sending a slow current through my body
to fight the chill
of the morning hardwood.
My eyes skim the to‑do list
piling higher
Beside me, the dog snores without worry,
his furry body rising
and falling,
rising
and falling.
I look at the list again,
then back at him-
so certain,
so loved.
He stirs,
brown eyes blinking open,
joints creaking as he stands.
He presses his head against my knee,
tail thumping,
waiting for my hand.
There is a quiet peace
in the way he looks at me,
His warmth settles against my leg,
and the morning quiets around us.
So I set the list aside
and spend a moment
with him