A Perfect Evening

Caitlin Age 3

Ten o'clock pm.

Six happy, grubby little bodies scrubbed clean and clothed in freshly-laundered pajamas. Six sets of shiny, white teeth brushed. Six heads of hair neatly brushed. Six stories read. Six songs sung. Six sweet, heartfelt prayers. Six (times six) hugs and kisses and six children finally tucked up between fresh, clean sheets.

All are asleep.


And now, their parents can relax, knowing that their happy, healthy and very active children have been properly prepared for a much-needed night's rest.

They can put their feet up and rejoice in a few stolen minutes of peace and calm. To visit together and catch up on the day's events.

All is well.

Then . . .

Little footsteps. Crossing the bedroom. Coming up the hall. Going into the kitchen.

The squeak of a refrigerator door.

Talk in the front room ceases. Two semi-alert parents are listening to the clandestine sounds.

Finally, the suspense is too much.

"Who's in the kitchen?"

Silence. A three-year-old intellect is working frantically.

"Who's there?"

"Ummm . . . not me!"