home

I half circled the big oak tree

and parked the car.

As I reached over 

and grabbed my bag, purse and notebook 

from the passenger seat,

I pushed the driver's door open with my foot

then climbed out. 

I caught a glimpse of Tyler and a couple of kids

down on the hill.

They hadn't heard me drive up.

I walked past the sourpuss on the front porch clipping his toenails

and stepped through the front door.

And I was home.

I hadn't really even missed anybody;

I was barely gone 22 hours, 

after all,

so the feeling caught me by surprise.

Home.

With the people I love so very much.