Distantly, 'I won't be long' she goes.
The corridor lengthens with each echoing click of her heels
As I sit squirming
but attached firmly.
Watching, waiting, gaze drawn to the floor where
Slow motion motes dance in the sun's rays
The silence more than I can bear.

So, feet swinging rhythmically,
Chair-creaking boredom sets in.
My space is a soundproofed island
invaded by muffled talk
crawling out uneasily,
under the door
to reach ears straining with the effort
to understand.

My patience shrinks to a knot in my stomach
Then silence is shattered by small talk
I crane my neck to see
Through a forest of legs and laughter
Simpers and handshakes,
Her smile comes down to rescue me
Nods her reward and reaches down
With an unspoken
'Good girl for waiting quietly'