These looks seemed to last a lifetime. Her eyes stared into hers. Sometimes her expression would change. It would grow into a look of disgust. Sometimes it would become happy. Other times, she would wipe a tear or two from her elegant, makeup-less face.

But this particular day it was blank. It was tired and defeated and exhausted. It was the kind of face that makes you want to tuck them into bed, and sit next to them and read them a story. And then you close the book silently, smile, and watch them sleep for just a bit. Because only when asleep is their face finally at peace.

She stared into her own eyes for a short time, and then took a glance at me. For some terrible reason I didn’t realize she had just caught me staring, so I gave her a big smile. She didn’t seem to mind, and she waved to me and gave me the slightest grin. The grin sent shivers down my spine. It was so perfect. So careless, so understanding! It was a feeling impossible to describe.