Fifty-two

The house feels empty without the girls. By Monday morning, I’m rushing out of the house like an intern on his first day of work. Once I walk in through the doors, the familiar walls of the office and the minty smell eases some of my discomfort. 

I will always be welcomed here. 

Minutes after settling in, I dial Sophia’s number. It goes straight to voicemail. She went out with Vincent twice. On Friday and Saturday. She needs to have good news for me. I need some relief in this storm. 

El is still mad at me. I won’t get to see my girls till Friday morning. I redial Sophia’s number but it’s the same response. Eyes narrowed at the door, my fingers drum on the desk. She is a paediatrician, she’s busy. But she told me she will be here this morning. I wait another five minutes, then try again. 

Sophia picks on the third ring. I hear nothing from the other end and an uncertain feeling fleets through me. &ld