Sleeping Beauty

While the house was being shown this evening, Aaron and I made our usual pilgrimage to Barnes and Noble. Settling down with my book and pen, I quickly noticed a girl c. 8 y/o in the chair next to me. It was clear that she was there by herself, waiting for who knows whom or how long. With a heart-wrenching look of loneliness, she was hugging a stuffed bunny rabbit that, judging by the tags still on it, she'd gotten from the children's section not too long before. We snuck furtive glances at each other and soon worked up the nerve to exchange shy smiles. I wanted to scoop her up and hug her. What could I do? I loaned her my iPod with a Disney playlist primed and ready to go. Watching her snuggled up with her borrowed bunny and iPod, I must confess that I got little real reading accomplished. To watch her with a smile, slowly falling asleep as she nuzzled further and further into the back of her chair, was all I needed. (And in case you're wondering, we stayed at Barnes and Noble long after our house was returnable until someone finally came to pick up the girl. And I didn't turn the mother into a pillar of salt, so that's good.)

In other news, this evening's soundtrack is provided by The Everly Brothers and Prince, lol. What an interesting combination, but I assure you, there is a unifying theme. Isn't there always? And no, I don't have to tell you what that theme is! :P