The Movie

When the dishes were done and the kitchen clean, the little boy waited patiently

The popcorn popped, the hot chocolate ready, with the movie on the screen, we settled in

Cozy under the Spider-Man blanket, I hit play and watched his eager little face light up.

This tiny vessel of a human being still fitting in my lap, I watch his eyes widen, expression intense and focused.

The funny parts we laughed and he bounced excitedly. Curious, he starts asking questions, situations his growing brain still trying to understand while I shush him.

There is some suspense he can't quite handle and he hides under the blanket, pushing his head under my arm.

When he pops his head back up, I sneak a peck on his round cheek, his little arms wrap around my neck.

After 98 minutes amidst the roller coaster of emotions, the music swells for a beautiful and joyful ending.

In this instant, he does not contain his happiness, he's up on his feet, on the coffee table, clapping.

I sit back. In this moment, he is everything.

I watch the back of his head as the credits roll, he sits quietly, still absorbing.

He turns to me then, exclaiming that he will watch this movie "five million, four hundred thousand more times," and I believe him.

And I will replay this movie, this evening, these feelings, in my head and in my heart just as many times.

My movie.