From the depths of sweet slumber I felt a tap, tap, tap on my shoulder. Turning over and blinking my eyes, Sydney's face came into focus. She had a bad dream. I looked at the clock. Not quite 4am.
Rolling out of bed (my warm and cozy little nest), I took Sydney's hand and, in a state of drowsiness, quietly escorted her back to her room. Covers were arranged, water was administered and a short (but to the point) prayer was prayed. I leaned over to give her a kiss.
Sydney paused.
"Mommy, what's that smell?
"What smell?"
Silence.
"What smell?"
Again, silence and Sydney's eyes peering into mine.
"Oh. Is it my breath?"
"Yes."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay Mommy. I love you."
"I love you too."
(But that's what you get, kiddo, for waking Mommy up in the wee hours of the morning from a deep, coma-like sleep.)
And we all returned to dreamland...happily ever after.