The Distance Between Us

Last night Lion asked if he could at least get a kiss before bed. I asked him what “at least” meant. He said I’ve been distant lately. I stay as far away from him as I can. I was confused. I know his legs were hurting. We discussed that. I know he was tired from doing a lot of work and then heading for a long, drawn out doctor’s appointment. He arrived home just behind me. But I didn’t think I was distant. I couldn’t figure out what happened. Until this morning.

For whatever reason, the evenings this week seem to fly by. As I said, Lion was tired and achy. And there it was: he was snoozing off and on for a good portion of the evening. Not that I blame him for being distant while he was sleeping, but I was just playing my games and watching TV while he snoozed. He didn’t rejoin the land of the living until 10 pm. If anything, I was the one who was left alone. Again, I don’t mind. He was tired. He snoozed. However, I’m getting annoyed at being the one accused of being distant when I’m just letting him sleep. This has happened before but I guess I never really put two and two together.

Lion spilled food on his shirt last night so I owe him swats. I deferred them because he was tired and achy. I’m adding swats to the tally for accusing me of being distant. Tonight he will get those swats. And I don’t think I’ll be lenient like I was the other night. It’s a punishment. It’s supposed to hurt. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time, as they say. It’s been a while since he’s had bruises. I think I’ll rectify that tonight.