Sunshine

Sunshine was missing today. The day before. And the day before that.

Not sure why.

I looked for it in the usual places. The sky. My lover's eyes. My child's laughter. But it was nowhere.

Not sure why.

So I drew a bath, nice and hot, and filled it with lavender bubbles. I crawled in and soaked too long. Cried even longer.

And when I was sure.

I lifted myself, taking care not to slip, and rinsed surviving bubbles from my skin.

Because I was going to find it.

I wrapped a towel around my chest and tucked it tight.

Because I was going to find it.

I snatched the mirror from my vanity and held it close to my tear-stained face.

Because I was going to find it.

I glared at my broken eyes and broken heart and broken spirit.

Because I was going to find it.

And I scolded the thief in the mirror. "Damn you, fool! The sunshine is...

YOU."