The Fragrance of Morning

I barely remember. The whispered “Bye” or the “I love you” or the brush of lips on my forehead. But his fragrance lingered. Jovan musk, I think. Mingled with the scent of yesterday’s line-dried sheets and the freshened potpourri (Claire Burke original) that fills the big shell on our dresser. And still a hint of my Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Tranquil Mint body lotion. I rolled over and buried my face in his pillow and inhaled deeply. Sometimes when he’s gone for a few days, I spritz that pillow with his after shave. Or sleep with his bathrobe. I dozed for a moment after breathing a prayer for Duane. Until  Gracee, who stayed the night, woke me with wild watermelon hair and morning breath. And then the house simmered...