I am wiping the sleep out of my eyes as I froth the first cappuccino of the day.  But harsh fingers do add years to the delicate eye area, so I stop.

I stretch my arms and relish the delicious thoughts of how to occupy the many hours of the day ahead.  When your partner is out of town, suddenly all kinds of possibilities are available.  I can give myself a manicure without offending any delicate nostrils; or read hours of subtitles on screens filled with tortured Danes, without any commentary rising from the sofa; or enjoy bread as the only course for all three meals of the day.

My steaming mug and I head out to the front porch.  Cinnamon and espresso scents coupled with the light marijuana fragrance of the apartment next door set the ambiance.  The coffee tastes even better than usual in my new ceramic cup, another partner-out-of-town impulse buy.  It is curvy and bright, grandiosely floral, and will definitely require pinkie finger lifting if used correctly.

There is an exhibit on 19th century ballerinas I could see, while reminiscing about my excellent moon-walking abilities.  It’s all about having the right shoes.  Or, I could eat grilled cheese at the hip coffee shop with the romantic vine-covered façade.  And gaze longingly at young cherubic faces, wondering if their cheek stain is available online.

I breathe in deeply and realize how relaxed one can feel when wake-up time doesn’t rely on the alarm clock.  It is almost lunchtime, which means I had better start my heavy-duty enjoyment.  Anchovies!  Something I love and everyone else hates – what better time to gorge myself?  Baguette, darkest of the dark chocolate tarts.  And more carbs.  I need to go to the bakery.  All without disgusting anyone else in my home.

Up, up, off the chair.  Stretch arms to the sky; back down to my toes, let head hang.  Now, come back up and feel at peace.  I walk back inside and put the cup in the sink.  It’s a tough choice: wash the mug or change out of pajamas.

I head up the stairs to my room and dive face first onto the bed.  So soft.  Such a pleasing lemon scent.  Staying right here is how this mouse really plays.