s faster than I c

al position at a small but respected family law firm

rs. It was a little tight, but it would do. As I was gettin

n slips. Tara was complaining that there was no coffee made. From the den, the rhythmic banging of my father-i

n the hallway as I

voice low and urgent. "You're tearing this family

said, adjusting my blaze

't worked in a decade! W

dentist appointment at 3:30. And Caleb's science project is du

door, leaving him stand

edure was still sharp. The firm's partner, a woman named Ms. Albright, seemed impressed by my composure

ring a latte. It was the first time in years I had been alon

e still on the table. The twins' backpacks were dumped in the middle of th

you can't come over? My mother is exhausted... No

o come over and take care of his fa

and hung u

s isn't working. Let's just...

," I said, walking past him towards

ng now. "Think about the kids! T

d have thought about all that before yo

he door in

zzed with a number I didn't r

gram. Little white smudg

ath it,

Ethan' s. He told me you were getting

first life, this news had sen

l piece of my plan had just b