when i lived in texas, gretchen used to call me almost every night at 4 a.m. it was such a regular event that i started to set my alarm for 3:55. occasionally though, especially on the weekend, she would ring my doorbell or scream up at my window at that same ungodly hour. if she managed to wake me up, i always let her in.

on one of those nights, she stumbled up the steps in a glittery black skirt. she collapsed on the couch and announced that she wanted ice cream. then she fell right to sleep. she rolled onto the floor while dreaming and i placed this kermit on her head. our christmas tree was lit. so, everything was so pretty. i had to draw it.

the next morning, when gretchen woke up, the very first thing she wailed was "ICE CREAM!!!"