Presently
8:04 am. I am already half an hour late for work. I stand at the bathroom sink rinsing out Alice's clothes. I am vaguely aware of Henry standing at the door.
Moments earlier
We all sit at the breakfast table. I am about to take my first bite of toast.
Alice: I don't feel good.
She projectile vomits all over everything. Herself. The table. Our breakfast. Erin.
Moments earlier
Alice: I'm hungry!
Me: How about a nice big bowl of yogurt?
Alice: Yay!
Moments earlier
Erin drags herself down the stairs. She looks tired.
Me: How are you feeling?
Erin: Exhausted.
Me: How is your cold?
Erin: Stupid.
Me: Oh, my love.
Three hours earlier
I am sleeping.
Jane: (whispered) Daaad. My stomach hurts.
I force my eye lids open with my fingers.
Me: OK, Janey. Let's go to the bathroom.
One hour earlier
Sleeping.
Henry: (whispered) Daaad. I think I messed my pants.
Me: (eyes popping open) OK, buddy. Let's go clean you up.
Presently
I am rinsing clothes. I curse our washing machine. Three weeks ago it began spewing blobs of oil onto our clothing. Our new washer won't be installed for another week.
Henry stands at the door.
Henry: Dad, want to see the pirate scene I made?
Me: I'd love to buddy. I just have to finish doing what I'm doing here.
He stomps his foot on the floor.
Henry: You only ever do what you want to do!
