Coffee, banjo, and a little daring

Woke before dawn to the coffee smell and the banjo humming in the corner, like the house deciding it wanted one more song. Taught first period a sideways arrangement of "You Are My Sunshine" and left school with Nick Drake in my ears and sun on my freckled cheekbones.

Wyatt called on the walk home to hear a ridiculous banjo riff, and a man with engineer energy tipped his cap at my laughter. Curiosity, steadiness, and a good joke are irresistible — speak kindly to my husband, bring a story, and there might just be room at our table for a second cup.