Retellings

Sometimes you begin to tell me a story that you've already told me, but I let you continue. 

I just nod, smiling, appearing as though everything you're telling me is brand new. Yet if I'm being honest, I don't truly listen to the words. I listen just enough so that I seem attentive, I keep my responses bland and short. 

However, I use those times to study you, encapsulate your voice, absorb all your mannerisms and expressions. I watch the way you create each syllable rather than hear the meaning behind them. I focus on everything about you except the content of your speech. 

For those precious moments I will never stop you from retelling me your story. 

I'm simply grateful to be able to hear you tell them to me twice.