The smell of the janitor’s cleaning fluid and aging books filled the air. A flickering light swung from its ballast. The building felt haunted but squeaking gym shoes and laughing students still echoed through the halls.

Locker doors hung haphazardly open. Stray notebooks, food wrappers, and pencils littered some while other were pristinely clean. The paint was chipped and faded from the abuse students extolled on them.

She found her way through the halls to the library. The doors were left ajar so she walked in. A woman smiled and waved hello as she moved behind the desk.

She opened the door to a back classroom. She could have come in the outside door, but she didn’t. The room was filled with blue cabinets and tables and chairs.

Two typewriters set on the countertop. The forms she needed to complete waited for her. This would be her last act before departing for summer.

The top of the first form was titled “Requisition Form”; the other “Grant.” She set to filling them out. A student had to fill them out, to make the request.

She tapped on the keys, making the case for the first computer to be used by the yearbook staff. Her advisor sat at the desk.

She would pause and ask for guidance, but finally the form was complete. The wheel gears spun as she pulled out the form. Her job here was done.

Now it was in the hands of others. Would they get a Macintosh next school year? Only time would tell.

Can’t seem to get anything right these days. Wandering the house as we near midnight. Uneasy at work, never seeming to succeed. When I stand up for myself, I’m aggressive; aka a bitch; or else I’m a damn doormat.

My shoulders and neck are wound up tight. I’m a walking ball of stress. My eyes strain even when closed, always looking left and right, waiting for the next punch, slam or jab.

My confidence is shaken and I am starting to crack. Why the hell couldn’t I just have been a pretty little housewife with two kids?

Oh yeah, not beautiful, so I had to be smart. Barren, so I must be a cold unfeeling wench. But right now, I feel too much, and I feel dumber than I ever have.

What is the lesson I am supposed to learn? Why haven’t I just learned it already? Where do I go from here?

Thoughts while wound up flood my brain as it nears midnight. I know things will be better, if I could shake this headache and get some sleep. But, my mask has slipped and Wonder Woman has left the building.

Complexity simply designed. That is the goal. Float like a swan, peddle like a mad woman. Get it done without showing how you sweat!

Sometimes the work is harder, but it’s worth it. Bringing to life someone else’s dream. Making life easier and more productive.

It’s what we do. All those people behind the scenes. Each a genius in their own right. The person tapping on their phone, walking in to the store, the patron at a restaurant, the audience at the play…we do it to make them smile and have their needs met.

That’s what drives us…those of us behind the scenes.

Nerves on edge, feeling like constantly failing.

Knowing I am learning, but never succeeding.

Maybe I should step back, do my old role.

Or run away and start something else.

But I know the mature thing to do,

Step away and take a few moments,

Sip some tea and gather my thoughts,

Then in the morning, start anew.

He rested his head on her lap. It had been an exhausting day. Both breathed out a sigh as the sofa welcomed them.

He looked up at her with those eyes. She caressed his head and smiled at him. Slowly his eyes closed as the stress of the world faded away.

Music ballads from their youth played while a single candle flickered away on the coffee table. Her socked feet swayed a little, keeping the beat.

As the evening wore on, tiredness overcame them. She shifted a little, trying not to disturb him. She curled up into him and laid her head on his chest.

Sweet dreams, my love.

The little field mouse ran through the flowers on the rolling prarie. The dew dripped from a large daisy, so he paused. Up on his hind legs he went, stretching for the petal.

Finally he reached it. He gave a hearty tug.

Splash! The water rolled out and soaked the little fella. He sat on his haunches and dried himself off. No point in crying over split water.

Off again he scurried. His nose started to twitch as an enticing odor wafted on the breeze. Campers left him a little delight… Cheese!

Smack! She flinched having hit herself. A small drop of blood dripped and smeared across her leg. One less mosquito in the world.

Palm fronds blocked the path, snapping back after each hiker pushed through. The heat from the early morning sun was not yet oppressive, but sweat formed and hair curled.

Squishing noises rose from underfoot. Yesterday’s rains left normally sandy trails muddy and slick. Today was not the day to leave the hiking poles behind.

The squawk of a blue heron echoed through the waterway. A warning to another to leave. One takes flight in search of a new branch.

Out in the lake, a large alligator swam with his tail out of the water. Soon, another appeared in the reeds, enjoying the sun.

Finally, turning away from the lake, a canopy of oaks provided shelter from the rays. Zebra, monarch, and yellow sulfur butterflies flitted among the flowering scrub brush lining the last bit of the trail.

Wiping brows and looking forward to breakfast, we wrapped up our saunter and packed in. It was a nice way to start a new week.

Crunch, crunch. Snow crackles underfoot. She follows the path they made earlier this evening from their cabin, around the workshop, and to the fire pit.

The pit is now in embers following this evening’s s’mores fest. The air, once filled with laughter, is now quiet. It is the night of the new moon, nary a light in the sky except for distant stars.

The tripod’s legs scrape as she extends them; the cold has made the plastic hard. Gently she snaps the camera into place and waits for the show to begin.

She wipes the fresh dusting of snow from her Adirondack and settles in. A blanket and a thermos of hot chocolate keep her company. She and the grandkids made a big pot for the evening and now she gets to enjoy the remains.

She can smell the wood burning in their fireplace. He’s tucking in their little visitors while she waits. She spun up a tale for them before bed and now it was time for him to have one-on-one time. She loves how he loves them.

Brilliant stars glow in the night sky. This alone is enough to keep her entertained, but tonight weathermen predicted the aurora would make its way south enough for them to see.

She sips from her thermos. The liquid is warm and sweet on her tongue. She tucks her feet up and settles in. The breeze nips at her cheeks, but she finds peace in these moments. A smile spreads across her face.

Soon, she sees a glimmer of light over the mountain peaks. She pulls out her phone and texts her husband to come outside. He chills easily and prefers indoors at this time of year, but this moment is special. She hopes he joins her.

She stands up and makes sure the camera is focused and her phone is paired. Everything is set. Gently, she backs away to keep the camera in place. Soon she hears his footsteps.

The glow of the aurora intensifies. It is the first time she gets to see this amazing sight. A quiet “oh, wow,” slips from her lips.

He wraps his arms around her and whispers, “I’m glad I finally get to share this with you,” and he softly kisses her on the cheek.

She sinks into his hug. “Me, too.”