Domestic Bliss

The house is so quite as I walk down the stairs head throbbing with hangover
beard rasping on my calloused hand the ticking of the hallway clock as loud as a marching band

The living room is spotless gleaming everything in its place the mirror flawless only accentuates the yellow bloodshot eyes the grey sagging face

The kitchen is warm from the stove the breakfast table immaculate earthenware gleaming coffee pot steaming

As I sit you place a warm plate of bacon and eggs in front of me then pour the coffee and as I take a small bite just a taste you touch my face and I look up at you then pull you close bury my head in your waist and say
I'm sorry it won't happen again

You ruffle my hair then sit down across from me and I see your pain as a tear slowly escapes from your bruised left eye and blood seeps from your swollen split lip

You smile and pick up your coffee and take a painful tentative sip