not to the thre

because of all this sickness i have been pretty tired lately.

and so the other day as K napped i decided i would try to get some shut-eye as well. E was contentedly reading his books on the couch near me and i asked him to please wake me in a half an hour.

"when the big hand is on the three, that's when you wake me up."

he seemed agreeable enough. he never really loves it when i nap, he'd rather have my full attention every minute of the day. but this time i was actually surprised at how well he did as i slept.

quarter after the hour came quickly and E awakened me, as instructed.

"time to wake up, mommy. the big hand is on the three!" what a sweet boy.

i was still wiping the sleep boogers from my eyes and trying to get my bearings when i noticed that the child was standing next to me expectantly.

i looked up.

he was holding a neatly folded white piece of paper in his hand and had a slight grin on his face as he gazed down at me.

E: "i have something, mommy. but i don't think you'll like it."

( i was intrigued. but i knew by now that if i acted too interested he'd never show me. the trick was to play it cool.)

me: "oh, mhmm?"

he clutched the paper a little tighter.

E: "i drew something while you were sleeping, mommy, but i can't show you cuz i think you'll be mad."

the grin on his face widened and i detected a glint of mischief in his eyes.

(now i had to see it!)

i got up and walked into the kitchen in an effort to appear completely bored.

me: "oh, that's fine. i don't want to see it anyway."

(i prayed that my plan would work.)

there was silence in the living room as he deliberated. i held my breath.

E:"oh.... okay, mommy. i guess i'll show you.. but you're gonna be mad."

he unfolded his paper to reveal his sketch:

"Not to the thre", by ERH
in which E, disgruntled at being asked
to rouse his mother at quarter past the hour,
chops of her hed with a hatchet
as she cries in protest.

well...

i suppose i asked for it.