I drove all of it.
I packed lunches. Turkey and cheese for Chloe, crusts off. Peanut butter and honey for Caleb, crusts on.
I folded laundry. Four people’s laundry. Plus mine.
I watched the kids every time Daniel and Renee wanted a weekend away. Sedona. San Diego. Las Vegas. Cabo, once, for their anniversary. Nine days.
I made Caleb’s birthday cake. I sewed Chloe’s Halloween costume. I sat with them when they had the flu.
Nobody asked me to do everything.
It just happened.
One thing. Then another. Then another.
Useful people have a strange way of becoming invisible.
The change came gradually.
So gradually I didn’t notice it at first.
Renee stopped saying Would you mind?
She started saying Can you?
Can you get the kids today? Can you make dinner? Can you run to Costco?
Then, eventually, she said I need you to.
I need you to take Caleb to the dentist at two. I need you to pick up my dry cleaning. I need you to be here Saturday because we’re going to Scottsdale Fashion Square.
