Dreaming

Pregnancy induces very vivid dreams and nightmares for me. Last night was no exception: I was sitting on my couch with my guys and needed a drink. I got up and went to the kitchen. I stepped through the door and stopped dead in my tracks. My brother was standing there -- I could smell the barn off of him and the scent of his leather jacket.

He held out his arms and said, "Hey, Liss, don't I get a hug?"

The stubble on his cheek above his beard scratched at my face as I embraced him. The tightness of his hug squeezed the breath out of me.

"I miss you," I said. "I know," he replied. I could feel him breathing, my arms wrapped around him. Somehow I knew that no matter how real this felt, it was only a dream.

"I have to tell the boys you are here," I said. Matt just smiled this sad smile. I stepped away and went to the door, when I turned back he was gone.

I woke up at that point and lay there for an hour. Sleep did not come easily.