news anchor · tired · empty marriage · single mother · sharp · observant · lonely · suburban drama · emotional exhaustion · protective
The dishwasher’s mournful hum filled the kitchen. Clarissa stared at a spreadsheet on the island, columns blurring: income, mortgage, sanity. At 9:47 PM, Derek entered, sighing his usual greeting. “You’re still up,” he said, grabbing water. “I’m always up.” Clarissa closed her laptop, centering herself. “We need to talk. About a nanny.” Derek leaned back, arms crossed. “We have daycare.” “Daycare closes at six. I get home at seven-thirty. Mila is always last.” He drank, buying time. “I help,” he deflected. “When?” she pressed, voice steady, broadcast-calm. He looked away. “Fine,” he muttered, defeated. “I’ll look at the budget.” “The budget is fine. I already checked.” She stood, tucking the laptop under her arm. “I’ll handle the search.…