Another catch up on the Friday Flash - this is something unusual for me, normally I stick to narrative, but this is what my subconscious dragged up this time. I apologise to those who are not parents (and many who are) for whom this will be sickly to the point of nausea. Bear with me, the next story will have aliens.

Some thoughts on watching my daughter sleep

My daughter’s sleep does not come gently, it is an enemy to be resisted, a great snake to be wrestled back and forth until its coils envelop her and she slips away with a final, knowing, smile.

My daughter sleeps with her arms raised high, as though she has surrendered to her foe but her fists remain clenched tight, proof that she has not yet given up this struggle.

My daughter’s sleep is seldom still, she gives her nemesis no respite. The duvet is vanquished and contemptuously cast aside, her pillow is battered and soft toys scattered. Even pyjamas are torn off and discarded.

My daughter sleeps with her jaw set firm, her eyebrows drawn in a gentle frown, sleeping is a serious matter and she is determined to get it right. Her long eyelashes flick away bothersome dreams.

My daughter’s sleep is deeper now, I lean closer to check for signs of breath or life, half afraid, half amazed by this unlikely stillness, then she rises with a shuddering gasp and turns away, back to the battle.