It’s the third time Kamiah has to wake up because of Kai’s cry. She breastfeeds him and he went back to sleep after that. She checked the time, and it’s 08:30 AM. She wondered if Acwell went home. She did not find him on the bed since he left. But, for sure, he is now already at work.
It’s her day off today. It is the day she tries to finish all the household chores as much as she can. But today, it is a must that she does. Otherwise, Acwell might arrive home yelling and accusing her of being lazy again.
She started with making the bed and planned to do the laundry next. Once outside, she noticed the unfolded clothes were no longer there; the floor mopped, the dishes washed, and only a little laundry left.
“Did Acwell do this?” she asked herself.
She was holding her phone, and it rang because she received a message. It's from Acwell.
“I know sometimes when I am in a foul mood I am the worst and say things I should not say. Last night, is one example of it. I am sorry about it. Those words I said I know I can’t take back, and it hurts a lot. I realized this when you yelled at me for the very first time. When I came back home last night, that was the time I could look closely at the apartment. You tried doing each chore, but because of Kai, you cannot finish at least one. I heard Kai cry at 10:00 PM and 12:00 midnight. Each time, you wake up and tend to him no matter how sleepy you are. I did not go inside I tried to finish what you could not. Indeed, it was tiring and requires a lot of time. I wasn't even able to finish the laundry as I have fallen asleep on the sofa. But it made me ask how you do it on the days I would come home with a home-cooked meal, clean apartment, and laundry done with Kai crying almost every time. Because I tried last night and I cannot, even if I was not tending to Kai. I realized that there are days when it is impossible to do all of it. And it’s not because you are lazy, it's just it is impossible. I know I compared you to Amara's mother but believed me you are better in all senses. I am sorry. You have heard it several times and you will continue to do so. I have realized that for me to learn is to make a lot of mistakes. I know it can be tiring so I request your patience. It might look like that I am not learning but believe me I am. I have cooked breakfast for you. I left it at the table. I wanted to tell you this in person and have breakfast with you, but I want you to get enough sleep. See you later. I love you!”
Kamiah wanted to cry. Acwell can sometimes be selfish and not careful with his words. But she is happy that the two arguments they had, he always ends saying sorry and realizing his mistakes. She went to the washing machine to have it running and wash the remaining laundry. Then, went to the table to eat. Acwell had fried some fish, made omelet, salad, and fried rice. She eats with a smile that today she could breathe a little. She still has Kai to take care of, but at least the load of the things she must do lessens.
While eating, a thought came to her mind. “Was Amara's mother be the reason for Acwell’s sudden shift of behavior? Is she pressuring him because of their daughter?” She hates accusing her, but in those two arguments that they had, it always involves their daughter. If she could only stop her from bothering them, she would do it. But she can't. She will always be there whether she likes it or not. She must accept the fact that this is how it is. She just hopes that they are not the reason for their arguments. Instead, made them as one of the reason Acwell well strive to do better.
This is the first day off that she can relax a little and do something for herself. She is less stressed as she doesn’t have to worry about thinking about how she will do all the household chores. She can focus on taking care of Kai. She could play with him longer when he is awake. Watch TV, read some books and rests when he is sleeping. She is thankful to Acwell for giving her at least this day to be resting from the household chores. And not to be overwhelmed by a lot of things that she must do that make her wanted to cry.
Acwell arrived to find Kamiah putting Kai in the crib.
“Hello!”
She smiled and run to hug him. He hugs her back and said, “I missed you!”
“Thank you! I missed you, too!”
“Do you want to eat outside?”
“Yes!”
Catrina was trying to reach Acwell, but he did not answer. She sent her videos of Amara coming out of the hospital today and to thank him for his help.
“Why won’t he answer? Did he get upset about what I said to him yesterday? Isn’t he glad that Amara is out of the hospital and recovering?” she asked herself.
Acwell was enjoying a dinner date with his family. It's been a long time since he took them out. The difference on the off days makes it difficult for them to have a family outing. Even now, all they could is have dinner because tomorrow both of them are working. They were about to go home when he checked his phone and saw Catrina’s missed calls and messages. He decided not to call back. He read her messages and replied with a simple message, “That’s good. Take care of her.”