Mom was in the middle of the kitchen, one hand pressed to her lower back, staring between a boiling pot and a trail of spilled cereal.
She looked exhausted.
Not mildly tired.
Completely overwhelmed.
I turned off the burner, moved the pot, and started gathering cereal with a dish towel.
I set the takeout down and lifted Caleb from the chair.
« Mom, what are Rachel’s kids doing here? »
She closed her eyes, exhaled, and said, « Please turn off the stove before anything burns. »
I turned off the burner, moved the pot, and started gathering cereal with a dish towel.
Mom lowered herself into a chair with a wince.
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