Dear Mia,

This time it was my turn to speak,

I spoke your name softly, quietly at first.

Then I said it a bit louder and started walking again,

I stepped forward with undivided concentration and determination.

One, two, three, four,

Five, six, seven, eight.

You've stopped playing now,

And you're facing me,

You're eyes are staring, observing, watching.

Only a couple more steps,

Two steps that separate,

You from me.

But I stop,

I don't advance any further.

Instead, I watch you watch me.

And for what seemed like a while,

We just stared.