She was completely exhausted!
***
This morning had been ordinary in the best way. David kissed the top of Ava's head, then mine.
"Have a good one, babe," my husband said, grabbing his travel mug and suitcase.
"You too, darling. Don't work too late."
"I'll try."
I watched his sedan back out of the driveway, the same as always. Reserved, buttoned-up David, off to crunch numbers.
I was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking my coffee, when my phone rang.
"I'll try."
The caller ID showed Rachel's number.
I smiled and answered, expecting the standard debrief. A polite conversation about how well the girls played together, or maybe a question about a forgotten toy.
"Hi, Rachel," I said warmly.
Nothing. A long pause. The kind you feel in your stomach before your brain catches up.
"Rachel?"
"Hi. Sorry." Her voice had dropped to almost a whisper. I heard a door click shut on her end.
I smiled and answered.
"Um, is everything okay?"
