Found in an Old Box

WAITING FOR YOU...

I can't sleep.
Every position aches
It's Hot... No, it's cold.
How can he sleep?
Will it hurt... I'm so scared.
What time is it? 11:00.
Nine hours until you begin.

Maybe the couch.
Too hard, a little scratchy.
It's cold... Now, I'm Hot.
Now he snores.
I don't want to do this.
Why are you kicking me?
Six more hours until you begin.

This chair is good.
As long as I don't move.
This sheet makes it perfect.
He watches me from the couch.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
I can't wait to meet you.
Four hours until you begin.

Wow. 7:00 already.
I don't think I moved.
I don't think I slept.
He smiles.
Let's go do it.
See you soon.
One hour till you begin.

9:05pm
What a day.
It was worse than I thought.
But not nearly as bad.
It's so good to meet you.
I cried. You're perfect.
18 inches, 7 pounds 4 ounces.
Andrew Gary.

Now we begin.

By Gena Newfer
August 1994