As soon as I arrived home from work, I threw my keys on the counter and immediately flopped onto the couch. It had been a long and difficult day, and all I wanted was a peace and quiet minute to myself. A warm and savory scent emanated from the kitchen, indicating that something was being prepared.
There was Nora at the stove, stirring a stew in a kind manner. A seat was placed next to her, and Theo was standing there with his little hands busy peeling potatoes. Nora cast a peek in the opposite direction.
Could you please set the table for us, Ben? Only momentarily did I look up from my phone. “You are responsible for that.”
Initially, she did not provide a response.
The weary sigh that I had heard her let out was the one that I heard her let out. Naturally, Theo was unaware of the situation. “I’ll do it, Mommy!” he chirped as he hopped down from the chair.
With a grin on her face, Nora responded, “Thank you, buddy.”
I gave a slight shake of my head. You should know that you are going to spoil him. In spite of her stiffness, Nora did not speak.
Theo wore a frown. I asked my father, “What’s wrong with helping?”
At the same time that I was falling further into the cushions, I whispered, “Kid, boys don’t do chores.”
Looking at Nora, Theo appeared perplexed. The utensils were handed to him after she caressed him with a nice touch.
With a quiet voice, she said, “Go ahead and set it up.”
My attention was drawn to Theo as he meticulously positioned the forks and spoons. He appeared to be pleased, as if he was engaged in an activity that was significant. My friends invited Nora to their annual team retreat, and I overheard them inviting her to attend the following day at work.
Only for one night—it’s not a big deal. At first, she appeared to be apprehensive. After that, think about it.
The following evening, while I was sitting there watching a match, she brought it up. She announced, “Hey, my business trip is scheduled for this week.” “I’m going to leave. I’ll be back by noon the next day,” she said.
I gave her a quick glance. What’s up? During my absence, you will be responsible for taking care of Theo and the house.
I gave a sigh of relief. There is no issue with that. When Nora smiled, it was not the smile she usually gives.
It was of the kind that offered an indication that I was going to be taken aback. After uttering the words “great,” she proceeded to pack her luggage. My supervisor received a brief text message from me informing him that I would be absent.
A groan came out of my mouth when I looked at the alarm clock the following morning. The time is 7:45 AM. Oh, wait—7:45?!
A wave of panic swept over me. On a regular basis, Nora would wake me up as she was getting Theo ready for school. On the other hand, she had vanished.
And I had slept in too late. It’s Theo! I yelled as I threw off the blanket and stumbled down the hallway down the entrance.
“Get up, we’re going to die!”
Theo hobbled out of the room while scratching his eyes. “Mommy, where are you?”
As I rummaged through the drawers, I mumbled beneath my breath, “She’s at her work event.” When did you last see your clothes? It is “Mommy who chooses!”
I let out a strong sigh.
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