“A Lesson in One Day”
I overslept. Danny was late for school.
But that was just the beginning.
Right when I thought I could relax after the rushed school drop-off, I noticed the kitchen sink. Dishes piled up. I figured I’d do them later—except I needed a clean plate for breakfast. Fine, I’d wash **one** plate.
Except, the sponge smelled weird. Did Lucy replace these often? I had no clue.
Then Danny’s school called—he forgot his lunch. **His lunch?** Lucy always packed it! I grabbed a few things from the fridge, stuffed them in a bag, and raced to the school.
By the time I got back, I saw the laundry basket overflowing. It looked simple enough. Toss clothes in, press a button. But—what was this? A red sock? Wait, do I separate colors? I threw it all in and hoped for the best.
Then I realized the time. **Pick-up!**
I was late again. Danny climbed in the car, frowning. **”Dad, why are you sweaty?”**
I got home, expecting to finally relax. Instead, the laundry machine beeped. I pulled the clothes out—**everything was pink.**
Danny burst out laughing. **”Mom’s gonna freak!”**
As I stood there, staring at the mess, the front door opened. Lucy was home.
She took one look at me—disheveled, sweaty, with a pile of pink clothes in my hands—and smirked.
**”So, how was your easy ‘woman’s job’?”**
I swallowed my pride. Looked at the disaster around me. And for the first time, I finally understood.
**”Lucy… I’m so sorry.”**