Debbie and I loved to exchange back rubs when we were in elementary school. We’d straddle each other’s backs in our summer pajamas—it was too cold not to be under the covers in the winter—massaging and chatting as sisters do.

We often played, “Guess what I’m writing on your back,” spelling words one letter at a time for the recipient to guess. We’d gently trace each letter with our index finger and “erase” any spelling mistakes by quickly brushing our hand back and forth across the error. It turns out it’s remarkably hard to guess a word written on your back, but that never discouraged us from continuing. We’d even crack each other’s toes, which seems counter to relaxation, except we were little girls and the pop always made us giggle.

Debbie would usually be the first to receive a rub. When it was her turn, she’d say, “You can’t stop until I’m asleep.” I’d agree and wait for her breath to deepen. Just as I’d slide off her bed, ready to cross the hall to my room, she’d open one eye and say sleepily, “I’m still awake.” And, of course, I’d return and resume rubbing. 😎