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Knock knock knock
Phoenix’s dream-filled mind was searching for the source of the noise to try and make it stop. It sounded like a woodpecker on a tree outside. Or a little wooden clock clunking in a corner.
Knock knock knock
He didn’t know what it was so it didn’t need to be there. It could go away and let him get back to his dream in peace.
Knock knock - creak
Consciousness flooded back into Phoenix’s brain as the door was hesitantly pushed ajar. He opened his eyes to see the crack in the door dark but for a pair of shining round eyes.
“Trucy? Is that you?”
“Daddy, you’re awake!" Trucy whispered anxiously.
“I am now," Phoenix sighed, "you can come in if you want. What’s wrong?”
“I couldn’t sleep anymore. I need to get this trick finished by tonight and it’s nowhere near done and I’m so worried I’m going to mess it up on stage!”
“Can’t you just do a different trick instead?” Phoenix asked sleepily, trying to keep his eyes open. He felt Miles shift next to him and pull the covers up over his face.
“It’s a special show tonight where this trick was advertised! People are coming to see it done in the flesh! I need it to be perfect!”
“Okay, calm down, I’ll practice it all day with you today, okay? Just let me sleep first.” Phoenix said and rolled over with a sigh, tucking Miles’ head under his chin.
“But Daddy, it’s morning!” Trucy pleaded.
“Trucy, it’s dark outside,” Phoenix mumbled. “What time is it anyway?”
“Urrr - 6:03 am!” Trucy stated triumphantly. “See! Told you it was morning.”
“Not any morning I’ve ever been a part of," Phoenix grumbled wearily, “just go watch TV or something and I’ll come and help you in a minute.”
“What about Uncle Miles?” Trucy persisted, “he likes getting up early.”
“He didn’t get home from work until way past midnight, Trucy, so no. Does he look like he’s ready for the performance of a lifetime?”
Trucy peered round in the darkness to inspect Miles, who was snoring gently into Phoenix’s chest.
“Umm, yes?” Trucy tried.
Phoenix groaned.
“Okay, I’ll come and help you if you promise to be quiet while we’re practicing and not wake Miles. Deal?”
“Oh Daddy, yay, thank you!“ Trucy whispered loudly.
“Okay I’ll be out in 10 minutes, you go and set everything up.”
Trucy closed the door quietly and Phoenix heard her soft footsteps running back down the hallway. He closed his eyes tight and pulled Miles in close. He had ten blissful minutes before she would be back knocking on the door again demanding that he fulfill his side of the bargain.
“Waswrong?” Miles mumbled into Phoenix’s t-shirt.
“Nothing,” said Phoenix, stroking Miles' hair. “I just have to go and help Trucy in a minute, she’s panicking about her special show tonight.”
Miles made a whining noise that sounded like “mmmmhhh” and said, “stay here.”
Phoenix chuckled, “I can stay here for ten more minutes.”
He felt himself drift off into the warmth of the bed, the smell of Miles’ ruffled hair, the early morning bird song, and the crisp autumn breeze trickling through the window.