Nothing Happened
Home alone--
I turn on the T.V.
so I can't hear all the small sounds that scare me.
I constantly look around . . .
just  in case.
I keep the phone by my side
and jump when I hear it ring.
It's Mom. I sigh.
She will be home soon.
I stand in the office and peek out the window
waiting to see a minivan
zoom up the driveway.
But I get too frightened to wait in silence
so I return to the T.V. when suddenly
my big, black dog starts barking.
I grasp the phone tighter,
ready to dial,
and tiptoe to the garage door.
The door handle turns;
I hold my breath,
waiting.
Mom pushes open the door,
her arms full of bundles.
I feel relieved and act normal, as if nothing happened.