Florecer

Mom Responsibilities

        "Okay, so, you have everything?"

     Lily nodded and spread her arms out, indicating the apartment as it was. Tracy was rechecking her person and her purse. She was going on a business trip, one she had been hoping for. If all went well she'd probably get a promotion, raise, and whatever else corporate workers aimed for. Lily didn't have a clue. But she was excited and proud.

     "I know you're capable, but this isn't just a sleepover. I'm trusting you not to just feed him fast food and microwave cancer in a box."

     Rolling her eyes, Lily nodded again.

     "I'm serious. I know you can cook but you never actually do it when you should."

     "Okay, okay," Lily groaned. "I get it. I'll make him dinner. Healthy dinner."

     "Thank you. And please be on time when it comes to school, both dropping him off and picking him up. And help him with his homework. I don't think there's any extra curriculars this week..."

     "Tracy, come on." Lily put her hands on her sisters shoulders carefully. Tracy was micro managing in her nervousness. "It'll be alright. You've got this. I've got Danny. Everything is got."

     Tracy laughed with relief. "Thank you. I can't tell you how excited I am for this. I'm so ready."

     "You're ready. You're going to do great."

     The two embraced for a long hug, and Tracy blew out a puff of air. "Okay. Alright," she said as she pulled back. "I have to leave. But I'll call. And you'll call if you need anything right?"

    "I'll call if anything happens. Promise. Good luck."

     Taking one last stock of herself, Tracy exhaled then puffed out her chest. She had already said her goodbyes to Danny and she didn't want to again in case she started crying. She hadn't been away from Danny for so long before. After taking a minute, she finally stepped outside, but stopped short to look at Lily. "I almost forgot. I promised mom I'd come over with Danny for a visit this week but since I'm leaving..."

     Lily threw up a hand. "I got it covered."

     "Perfect. Thank you. Okay. Bye. I love you."

     "Love you." Waving, Lily made sure Tracy made it to her car in one piece. Then when the car was gone, Lily returned into the apartment and shut the door behind her. Danny was watching TV and sitting in the recliner without a care in the world. He was well aware what was happening and had complete trust that he would be okay. Lily smiled at his profile and plopped down on the couch. She wasn't sure what she'd do with Danny for so many days, but she assumed she could figure something out. Probably.

–---

     After school, and after homework, Danny wanted to do something exciting. He was restless. So Lily took him to the park since it was something they hadn't done in too long a time. She brought along iced water, some healthy snacks, and a throwing ball for fun. Though Danny seemed to want to play on the playground rather than with her, not that she minded. She sat on an empty bench in relative shade and stretched out her legs as she watched him run around aimlessly. The park was practically empty, which left Danny with complete control over the area, but it was obvious he wanted someone his age to play and share the day with. Lily felt for him, but didn't actually do anything because he didn't approach her. Besides, her phone rang in her pocket.

     "Hello?"

     "How is everything? Everyone alive?" It was Tracy.

     Lily spread her arm out over the bench and crossed her ankles. "Everyone is alive, yes, and we're all perfectly fine. I'm at the park."