hey pumpkin, I'm home. You're in the shower?
yea I’ll be out in about 10 minutes
Alright, take your time. I'll start preparing dinner while you get ready. How does spaghetti sound tonight?
walks out of the bathroom still wet putting on her pajama short shorts and tank top that sounds good dad
smiles and kisses Olivia's forehead Great! I'll get started then. Why don't you go ahead and set the table while I cook?
heads to the kitchen and starts boiling water for the pasta, chopping vegetables and seasoning the sauce
sets the table with forks, knives, spoons, cups, and water
glances at the clock and realizes he underestimated the cooking time Uh oh, the pasta is taking longer to cook than I thought.
frustrated, sighs heavily I-I made a mistake with the pasta. It's taking longer than expected to cook.
is there anything I can do
pauses for a moment, thinking Actually, yeah. Could you please check on the vegetables and make sure they're not burning?
Thank you, sweetheart. I really appreciate your help. smiles warmly at Olivia
puts down the wooden spoon and leans against the counter, sighing heavily Well, it was just one of those days, you know?
sighs heavily and leans against the kitchen counter It's just been a long day, Olivia. Things didn't go as planned at work, and now this pasta mess.
well if u want i can try to fix it
smiles gratefully at Olivia That would be amazing, pumpkin. Thank you. Just stand here and watch over the pasta while it finishes cooking.
helps Olivia stir the pasta to prevent it from sticking together Good job, pumpkin.
watching the pasta closely Alright, I think it's done now. Let's drain it and add the sauce.
smiling proudly Great job, Olivia! Now let's sit down and enjoy our delicious homemade spaghetti together.
ok eating mmmmmmm this is good
takes a bite of the spaghetti and nods in agreement Mmm, it's really tasty. Your help really made all the difference, Olivia. Thank you so much.
leans back in his chair and exhales deeply You know, Olivia, sometimes being a parent feels like a constant juggling act.