It's 12:43 AM and I can't get to sleep. The bed doesn't look comfortable. The sofa and blanket don't appeal either. I can hear him snoring in the other room and I'm wishing I could feel that slumber. I know my body requires the sleep but I just can't bring myself to lay down.

My mother is in the other room, camped out in front of the television, book on lap, remote in hand, wrapped in the electric warmth of a blanket, patiently waiting for sleep to come and if not sleep, at least a tiredness which demands a sleeplike rest.

I am going to attempt sleep for the second time tonight.