Ready or Not

We have played hide and seek as a family since our girls were quite small. I recall being the Counter and R hiding with whomever was the baby at the time. I would cheat and call out for my baby, the sound of her laughter clueing me as to their conspiratorial hiding place.

Last night we played. It was so much fun! I hid in our closet behind the lower rack of clothes. It was uncomfortable having a stiletto heel penetrate my back, but it was so exciting when the door opened, the light came on, the hunter standing quietly waiting for a mistake on the part of the prey. I held my breath and didn't move, stifling giggles. Victory! After the swishing of a few hangers, the light dimmed and the door closed.

I waited. I love hearing the questions of "where is she" floating through the vents and muted through the doors and floors of the house. Finally, A came back and did a more thorough excavation. I stiffened. She touched my leg and whispered, "I found you." "Shhhh!" I commanded. She snorted her complacent pleasure in finding me, turned off the light and shut the door.

A few more minutes pass and I hear more foot steps, being more than one person, coming to the bedroom, coming to the closet, opening the door, light filtering through the pants, shirts, jackets. The clothes part, like the Red Sea, and a shout of triumph goes up among the people. Finally, I am found.