“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.”**