I almost didn't cry

I didn't cry when I woke her up and remembered that today was the first day of fifth grade.

I didn't cry when she growled.

I didn't cry when she didn't want my help to get dressed.

Or comb her hair.

I didn't cry when she didn't want me to fix her breakfast.

And I didn't cry when she didn't see the fun message I wrote for her on the bathroom mirror.

Nor did I cry when she went out to the end of the driveway to wait for the bus and I stayed on the porch.

But when she ran back to give me a hug and a kiss just before the bus arrived, well, that's when I cried.