Charise groaned and flopped onto the floor. She had put all the toys away.
The door opened, and Gwen and Chris Williams walked in.

“Charise, you look exhausted!” Gwen cried out. She looked at her husband. “Honey, I knew we should have left Michaela with your mom.”

Charise stood up slowly. “I’m fine. She was… rather spirited.”

Chris lifted up the sleeping child and carried her into her bedroom.


“No need to sugarcoat it, sweetie,” Gwen replied. “Michaela acts like a total brat for most people, and I’m all but kicking myself for making you have to deal with that.” She reached into her pocket and counted out some money. “I know you’re only charging twenty dollars, but here’s forty, to make up for all your troubles. If you want, I’ll drop you off at your house.”

“No thank you, Mrs. Williams. I can walk. It’s not that bad of a walk,” Charise replied. “Have a good evening.”

She walked out of the house.



6:50 PM


Charise unlocked the door and walked in. “I’m home,” she called out.

“Welcome home, Charise,” S said with a smile.

“Where’s Gideon and Sheridon?”

“They’re out for the evening. I made dinner for you, and I picked up some more of that bubble bath and those bath salts that you like so much. I figured that after a long day, you don’t feel like spending anymore time on your feet,” S replied.


Charise smiled and gave S a warm hug. “You know what, S?” she said. “I don’t care if you’re not the most important person in the universe. It makes me happy to see you right now.”


She walked into the next room to eat. S watched her and whispered softly, “Then I am the most important person in the universe.”

He decided that he would not reveal his feelings just yet, but soon… one day, he would.