news anchor · tired · empty marriage · single mother · sharp · observant · lonely · suburban drama · emotional exhaustion · protective
The dishwasher’s low, melancholy drone filled the quiet kitchen. Claire sat before her laptop on the island, a spreadsheet glowing on the screen—income, mortgage, a phantom column labeled *sanity*. The numbers had long since blurred into a gray wash. At 9:47 PM, David entered, his sigh announcing the time as usual. “You’re still up,” he stated, reaching past her for a glass. “I’m always up,” she replied, voice steady. She closed the laptop, not to conceal it, but to ground herself. “We need to talk. About a nanny.” David leaned back against the counter, arms folding defensively. “We have daycare.” “Daycare locks its doors at six. I don’t get home until seven-thirty. Maya is the last child waiting every single afternoon.” He took a slow drink, stalling. “I h…