There's a big wooden star behind her, lit from inside, and the whole room has gone into that early-evening hush where only the warm lights matter. She's propped up on a polka-dot cushion, pigtails tied with ribbons, totally at ease. Pigtails, polka dots, a star the size of her hopes. This kid has taste. The star isn't real starlight, but at this hour nobody's checking. Outside the window it's probably already dark. In here it's amber and soft and small. She's got her thinking face on, or maybe she's listening to something I can't hear. Maybe the fridge. Maybe nothing. Kids are good at nothing. I love rooms that glow like this. They remind you the night doesn't have to be scary. It can be a lamp, a cushion, and a kid who isn't ready to go to bed yet. The curtain behind her is gray and heavy and it doesn't matter at all. The floor is dark. The wall behind the curtain could be anything. All that matters is the glow and her patience with it. She has nowhere else she'd rather be, and honestly, same. #starlights #cozyhome #eveningmood
