#Chapter 56: Old Things

Ardal “Mom. Mommy?” I blink and look down. I realize Lottie’s been tugging on my shirt, trying to get my attention for at least a full minute while I stare out into space. “Sorry, girly.” I crouch down to meet her eyes. “I’ve got a lot on my mind today.” It’s been a day since Erbao’s first dialysis treatment and the weight of it is intense. I could barely pull myself out of bed today, and I’m stumbling through this morning with the kids, but I’m not really here. Lottie puts her hand on her hip. “I was trying,” she says, huffily, “To ask you a question.” I tuck a stand of her dark hair behind her ear. “What’s your question?” Her eyes get big, brimming with excitement. “Can I go with you to work? I want to go to the gym, too. “ Look! I have my gym outfit on. See?” She spins around so I can appreciate her black leggings and pink cheetah print top. Lottie is not happy with me, to say the least, when I have to dash her plan for the day