Comfort Me

She waddles to me, still learning the trick to walking balance, with her arms reaching.
"Ma ma" she cries; her voice husky from dryness.
I lift her up and she cuddles immediately. I feel the alarming warmth of her body against mine. Her cheeks are hot and burn me as she nestles her face in the grove of my neck, seeking reassurance and comfort.
I slip my hand under her pajama top and rub her burning back gently and whisper into her ear, "It's okay, honey. Mommy's here," and begin to sing.
"You are my sunshine; my only sunshine."
She raises her head briefly to look at me and smile. Then quickly plops her head against me.
"I love you so much; each night and day."
She coughs a little bit and places her warm cheek against mine. I can hear her quick, wheezy breathing.
"You'll never know dear; how much I love you."
More coughs and whimpers.
"Please don't take my Sunshine away."
I sway her back and forth, hoping that the motion will lull her to sleep. She has not had any rejuvenating sleep in three nights.
She pulls her head up and rubs my lips with her chubby, warm fingers.
"gain?" and she hums.
"Okay, one more time, Hun-bun."
I sing once more for her and this time she is limp in my arms and breathing pneumatically, but deeply.
I sit down on the couch carefully and keep her close against my body. I monitor her breathing and coughs and sneezes. She awakes after only a few minutes, but the rest has put her in better spirits.
"uh oh!" she laughs after a coughing fit.
She points to the floor, and I put her down to waddle around in her jammies.
She looks up at smiles at me, to double-check that I am still there.
I am; and I always will be.