-Protect each other-

3 weeks later:

I slowly look through the mail; we are waiting for the papers from Helena’s lawyer. The bunch of post turns out to be empty so I throw the remaining items on the table. Dana is home with the flu so I carry Peggy on my arm, she and I had it first and we passed it on to Dana. Dana comes running around the corner in pajama and a running nose. I set Peggy down and gather the other five year in my arms, “How do you feel?” I say checking for a temperature. I find it warm but better than it has been for the last couple of days. Helena is working overtime and Shane and Carmen have been watching Dana today. I walk into the living room where Shane and Carmen are watching “Finding Nemo” on the television. “Hey guys!” I say cleaning some toys of the couch. “How was first day back at work” Carmen asks as she picks up Peggy. “Tiring” I admit smiling at Shane who are engulfed in Peggy’s portable play station. “Well we are meeting Alice and Lara later so we have to leave” Carmen says rising nudging her fiancée in her side, only to receive a glare. The get their stuff together and leave. “Chinese to dinner?” I ask the twins that are seated on the couch looking at the end of finding Nemo. “I’m not hungry, mama” Dana exclaims as she pulls her dune closer around herself. “You’ve got to eat something” I tell the girl as I help her get settled. “Some soup” I suggest and smile. I receive a light nod and I know that she is a bit better. The temperature has started to seriously drop outside and it’s raining. I make a fire while I wait for Helena to come home.  

Half an hour later I hear the door open and seconds later it’s being shut. “Hi mommy” Peggy says as she run towards her mother. I follow her path and find myself gazing upon my spouse. I smile and I pad towards her and give her a kiss. “How was first day back?” she asks setting all her things in their rightful places. “Tiring!” I say resting my hand on my forehead for emphasis. “I told it was too early” she gives me a little wink before she goes to talk to Dana. “So Peggy, shall we order then?” I give her a nudge and she bounces into the kitchen. “What do you want?” I recite some of the food that we usually order and she picks some baked shrimps and Helena and I want some Chinese dish with wok. I place the order and together we set the table.