Unseen Angels

Though it was still dark when she opened her eyes, Peggy knew instinctively that the long night was over. Her small body felt warm and safe snuggled deep into the billowy feather mattress her great-grandmother had made many years before. She had the most pleasant half-asleep, half-awake sensation. It was that magical time of morning when you dare not speak--you barely breathe--so as to prolong those few ethereal moments, just before dawn, when the world is warm and hazy and beautiful. Muted sounds began to invade her senses as she pressed her face deeper into the pillow, drinking in the sweet smell of summer sunshine that lingered on the smooth pillowcase long after it had been removed from the outside clothesline. The annoying screech of the back screen door told her that her grandfather was leaving for his job at the coalmine. She could hear her grandmother tiptoeing about the kitchen and knew that she was busy preparing breakfast for the rest of the family. The delightful aroma of bacon frying and coffee perking filled her nostrils and her empty stomach responded with a growl. Shaking Betty, who was still asleep beside her, she said, "It's time to get up This is our first day together. We have a whole summer of fun ahead. Let's get started " Betty stretched and yawned and threw the covers back and the two girls raced to the kitchen. Mom greeted each of them with a hug and nudged them toward the big kitchen table for breakfast. Peggy couldn't wait to have a plate of bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, but Betty wanted something sweet like biscuits covered with Eagle Brand or butter and jelly. "Yuck," Peggy said, and thus began one of the many disagreements they'd have during her visit. Nevertheless, it would be a wonderful summer, as always