A transparent wave
passes over her nostrils
as she lifts the heated pan.

A flakey mound
sitting just above the rim,
sizzling in unison with her own hum.

The perfect reward for her little knight.

A smile graces her lips
as she cradles a single slice
on a clean china plate.

Her footsteps mimic a heartbeat
as she approaches his door,
light from the hall cascading in.

He’s sleeping now,
his breaths like that of a kitten,
soft and sweet.

As light as her feet allow
She tiptoes in
Leaving the plate and slice on the nightstand.

Knowing he’ll wake at midnight,
And take a small bite
Saving it for morning.

And she sits by the fireplace,
smiling to herself.
And she thanks the ember stars,

For her little knight.