Word Rationing

She wakes and stands groggy eyed at her kitchen window drinking her morning cup of tea as the tabby purrs and rubs it's self against her bare leg. She leans down with a grunt in place of a greeting and scratches the kitty behind it's ear. She does not sing in the shower. She leaves the house before anyone else is up.
The woman will say "good morning" an average of twenty seven times before she reaches her office. Every one wants a piece of her. After she has repeated herself around forty five time she will only nod, smile if it is staff.
"What's going on with you?", is all she will venture when conversation a necessity. Then she will sit and listen and cock her head at the appropriate times to fake interest. Words are precious to her. She does not have enough anymore to share.
In meetings she does not venture her opinion. A yes or not will suffice. They think of her as hard and decise and it works to the woman's advantage.
Driving between facilities she does not scream at traffic or lip off to the radio. Strangers are not worth her voice.
They all vie for teachers attention. Notice me. Acknowledge me. Appreciate me.
She will only stare and continue on.
Then comes the message on the answering machine on her desk.
Love me.
Late at night as they sleep she whispers in her babies ears her reserve.
Then her words flow free.