The dreams of a baby

     This morning Clara chose a savory breakfast: Ziti with cheese.
     "What did you dream about last night?" I asked her.
     She munched thoughtfully for a moment.  "Bunnies," she finally said.
     "Oh, I see."
     "Juice, Mommy."
     "I'm sorry, Honey, we're out.  I have milk.  Do you want milk?"
     "No.  Bunnies deem milk."
     "You dreamed you were feeding the bunnies milk?"
     "Yes.  Black bunnies."
     "The bunnies were black?"
     "Yes."
     She finished eating and wanted to sit on my lap and look out the window.  It was raining, a rarity for Southern Idaho.  The wetness made the fall leaves seem extra bright.
     "Washing the grass," Clara said.
     "No, it's raining.  Not the sprinkler system.  Rain comes from the sky."
     "Washing and drying.  Washing and drying....'Bur deenks rain?"
     "I suppose Wilbur could drink the rain.  He has water in his dish, though, so he doesn't really need to drink the rain."
     "'Bur water dish."
     "Yes."
     We went downstairs to play.  The rain made me feel extra groggy.  I wanted to lean against the side of the couch and doze and just hope Clara wouldn't get into mischief.  But, like they say, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
     "Daddy working?"
     "Yes."
     "Oh." She fetched her silver sequined purse and made for her pink Kozy Coupe.
     "Where are you going?"
     "Daddy work."
     "You're going to see Daddy at work?"
     "Yes. Bye-bye!  Later!"
     "No!  Don't go!" I pleaded dramatically, as she resolutely shut the Kozy Coupe door.
     "Yes.  Baby sees Daddy. Bye, Mommy. Later."
     Awhile later, she was acting extra cranky, so I brought her upstairs for a warm bath.
     "One two three! H, I, J!!  Ashes, ashes, all fall down!" she sang in the tub.
     She didn't want to get out, and wept with gusto while I toweled her off.  She flopped against me, moaning, and summoned sobs from deep in her chest.  She experimented with different octaves.
     "Burrito baby," she finally gasped.
     I wrapped the towel around and around her until she was rolled up as tightly as a burrito.  Then I picked her up.  She caught sight of herself in the mirror and began to cry luxuriantly, making sure to reveal as many teeth as possible.