Chapter 18 Running Free

• When the kids were well into their dinner, Dana let herself in. The kids waved to her, slopping pasta sauce on the floor. Serena shook her head, grabbing a wet paper towel to clean up the mess. “It‘s late, isn‘t it?” Dana asked. Serena nodded, tossing the paper towel out.
• “My mother brought a lot of gifts over for the kids,” she explained, motioning to the boxes stacked on the floor. Dana chuckled.
• “Very good. I wanted to talk about schedules, making sure we are coordinated,” Dana said. Serena nodded, motioning to the couch. While Dana sat, Serena broke down the boxes and folded them up. “Adriana has me working regular office hours at the hospital, unless there is an emergency or some kind of special event,” she said. “That is what I expected,” Dana said. “I will be at the daycare most days and can watch the kids then. I can help with breakfast and dinner too since those are around the times you‘re coming home or leaving.” Serena smiled, surprised by how relieved she was at the offer. “That sounds great,” she said. Boxes flattened and stacked, she sat on the couch with Dana.