It still ached. Joseph rubbed his neck. It just ached. Laura started kneading his shoulders and back. The early morning sun shone outside. It nudged its way over the jagged peaks of the Wasatch, and stabbed at the little 7th East apartment.
"Your neck aches, but its your back that is causing it."
Everything was quiet. Laura continued kneading his neck.
"You kept pushing your covers off last night."
Joseph grunted.
"SMACK!" A bird flew into the window.
Laura screamed. Joseph jerked his head sending pain up his neck.
"Well, that ruined the moment." Joseph muttered.
"Uh-huh," Laura nodded and walked to the kitchen counter and put some bread in the toaster.
Joseph walked over to the window and looked onto the nine lanes of 7th East. In bound lanes were packed as far as the window allowed him to see. People on their way to school. People on their way to work. People with something to do, ... a motivation.
"Would you like one?" She asked, handing Joseph a dry piece of toast.
Hunger gnawed at him. Yes. Yes, I would like both. I haven't eaten in two days.
"No. I'm not hungery. Thanks."
Joseph looked at the leaves of the trees across the street in the park. It's always greener outside of the apartment. The sky above the park was a deep blue. Very striking.
"Any interviews today?" She was trying to sound casual. He played along.
"No. None this week." He paused. "But, you know how these things are. I could get a call interview and be hired before the sun sets. You just can't tell."
She was silent. She wanted to believe it, but....
"Spring is a good time to be out of work," he tried to say with some cheer.