After The Kids Are Asleep

I am going to tell you a secret, if you promise not to tell:
I know what your parents do after you have been safely put to bed.
Perhaps you have always wondered? When does mummy get to play?
And daddy who has to travel, who plays with him when he’s away?

You see, grown-ups are also kids at heart, though it doesn’t often show,
they are just a little bit bigger than you, as I’m sure you already know.
When mummy is being a grumpy girl, has a frown plastered on her face,
you could help her have some grown-up fun, in her own special way and place.

If you go into the bathroom at night, when she thinks that you are asleep,
you might find that mummy is taking a bath, soaking in water really deep.
What is really strange about this secret, though, is that she won’t play with me!
What is the point of being a rubber duck if I’m left on the floor at her feet?

No, your mummy she only lies there, sipping wine in the quiet room
with some candles perhaps, and a bubble bath, that gives off a calming perfume.
She doesn’t like to play submarines, or pirates or use bath-time toys.
She says that it’s her relaxation time, and one of her few simple joys!

So when your mum is being a pain, perhaps you could ask her if she
would like you to run up a bath for her, that a good little boy you will be,
if she wants to go soak for a little while, to not be so grumpy no more
you can play quietly in your room while she does, if she wants to shut the door?

Even parents get tired of running around, and need to have time to play.
This is one of the secrets they keep from you; sometimes when your dad is away
he will also soak in a tub in his room and talk with your mum on the phone
while she’s drinking her wine and soaking herself in the tub here all alone.

This is my, very late, entry to Bluebell Books Short Story Slam Week 14, inspired by the cute photo prompt.

I am very honoured to have this story featured as Story of the Week on Bluebell Books. It comes with a nice little award badge too!

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