This is an introductory piece that I write as I wait for sleep to take me this Sunday night Monday morning. I was exhausted for most of the day, but life pinged into my head at bedtime, as usual. Comme d’habitude, as the Frenchies would say. Sempre.

So, I try to sleep while my subconscious keeps me awake, trying to avoid the dreams that come most nights. Dreams where it’s all ok, dreams where the nightmare of the betrayal is relived. And alongside me, the snoring dog. My companion for the past five years. The one constant who I can rely on for bad smells in the house and car, embarrassment while on our walks, unpredictability with young children and strangers, destruction of my home, unconditional love.

I must try to sleep. I shall try to leave this with a touch of creativity; a photo of my smelly little companion who snores beside me. I can’t even figure out how to get rid of the bloody keypad..