Cold Light of Day

I roll over as the morning sun shines in my eyes.  Hearing a muted snore, I’m suddenly wide awake.  Seeing his head buried beneath a pillow, I give thanks to whatever God is on morning duty.

What I said in the safe darkness of night comes back to haunt me.  I fear that my confessions will be judged in the cold light of day.

Quickly slipping out of bed, throwing on clothes haphazardly, my only thought is of escape.

Rushing to the door with the sound of my breathing loud in my head, I fumble with the doorknob.

A hand closes over mine.

“Stop. It’ll be alright.  We’ll be alright.”

I stop but don’t turn around.  Can I face him?  In the cold light of day?