A House That Felt Like Home
485 Words
Marcus Pov
The next morning, I asked the doctor if Dillian could be discharged.
After another examination, he smiled.
"His temperature is back to normal."
I thanked him more times than necessary.
It was Saturday.
Debbie was a university student.
I was sure she had better things to do than spend her weekend babysitting my children.
As soon as we reached the front door...
A familiar smell drifted through the house.
Breakfast.
Fresh pancakes.
Eggs.
Coffee.
Dillian's eyes lit up.
"Mummy!"
He jumped down before I could stop him and ran inside.
I closed my eyes briefly.
Please...
Not today.
Then someone walked out of the kitchen.
It was not Maggie.
It was Debbie.
She wore one of her oversized university sweatshirts and an apron that looked slightly too big for her.
She smiled the moment she saw us.
"Good morning Professor."
I did not realise I had been holding my breath until that moment.
Across from the dining table, Marcus Jr. was already eating happily.
He looked completely comfortable.
Well...
At least one of us was.
Dillian stopped running.
He looked around.
Then slowly turned back to me.
"When is mummy coming back?"
His little voice almost broke me.
I bent down and carried him.
"Why don't we have breakfast first?"
I smiled gently.
"Then we'll call mummy later and find out when she's coming home."
He nodded sadly.
It was enough.
For now.
I placed him beside his brother.
The two of them immediately started eating.
I walked over to Debbie.
"I honestly don't know how to thank you."
She smiled.
"It really wasn't a problem."
Then she laughed.
"I don't mind babysitting."
She looked at the boys.
"I actually need the extra cash anyway."
I could not help smiling.
I handed her the money.
She looked surprised.
"You don't have to pay me this much."
"I insist."
She finally accepted.
Then picked up her bag.
"Bye Marcus."
Marcus Jr. immediately stood up.
They both made an elaborate handshake.
One clap.
A fist bump.
A finger snap.
Then another fist bump.
I blinked.
"When did that happen?"
Marcus Jr. grinned proudly.
"We made it last night."
Debbie laughed.
"He said every cool team needs a secret handshake."
I looked between both of them.
Apparently quite a lot happened while I was gone.
She bent down and waved at Dillian.
"Bye little man."
He smiled shyly.
"Bye Miss Debbie."
She looked back at me.
"See you on Monday Professor."
I nodded.
"Drive safely."
She left.
The house suddenly became quiet again.
I looked around.
The breakfast dishes.
The laughter that still lingered.
The boys were smiling again.
For the first time since Maggie left,
The house did not feel empty.
I cleaned up after breakfast while the boys played in the living room.
As I watched them...
One thought kept repeating itself.
I need to hire a live-in nanny.
And I need one fast.
- Writer
