When I awoke the next morning, I lay there for several minutes recapturing the experience of the previous evening. I had to think it through more than once to convince myself that it had really happened – or my imagination at work in some other way. The air was full of the smell of coffee and bacon, and though this would normally stir my appetite, I was completely distracted by my thoughts.
My reverie was dispelled by a sharp yell from Uncle Dick, warning me to get myself downstairs for breakfast or he would throw it out. I brushed my teeth quickly, pulled on my usual shorts and t-shirt, and started down the stairs. I was in agony with every step. I could not imagine how to face Aunt Jane. In retrospect, I seemed to have no problem in facing Uncle Dick, I was just unsure of how to retain my composure with my aunt.
I rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs and stepped into the kitchen, relieved to see Aunt Jane at the range with her back to me. As I slipped quietly into my chair, Uncle Dick moaned about a baseball score in the sports pages he was reading. I was briefly startled when Aunt Jane slipped a full plate in front of me and gave me a peck on the cheek with a cheerful "good morning!" I smiled weakly without looking at her, said "thank you" and picked up my fork. I ate quietly, saying nothing until Uncle Dick jumped up, grabbed his lunch sack, and barked his typical farewell. I said "See ya tonight," glancing up from my plate to make eye contact with him while avoiding Aunt Jane's eyes.
Shortly after the door slammed, Aunt Jane pulled a chair up beside mine and slid into it. She put her arm around my shoulders and pulled my head close to hers, nuzzling me in a way that was more sympathetic than affectionate. I continued to avoid her eyes and said nothing, but she broke the silence. "Honey," she spoke in a near whisper, "there's no need to be embarrassed about last night. What happened was perfectly natural, and I'm glad I was able to help you."