7 a.m. - Wake up. Go make breakfast.
7:30 a.m. - You're only 5 but you know how to make toast and microwave eggs. Lucky uncle taught you that poking a hole in the yolk prevents them from exploding. You swear to learn more things to cook when you're older.
8:00 a.m. - Wake baby sister up to have breakfast.
8:30 a.m. - See if daddy wakes up. If not, leave breakfast by his bed. Go feed the puppy.
9:00 a.m. - Brush teeth and try coaxing baby sister to do the same. She's getting the hang of it.
9:30 a.m. - Daddy is still in bed but the eggs were eaten and a single bite was taken from the toast. At least he ate all the eggs this time. He gruffly mutters a tired 'thanks, baby' when you take the plate. The thanks was enough to make you happy.
10:00 a.m. - clean dishes and play with baby sister.
11:00 a.m. - See what can be made for lunch. Some canned beans and old apples should do it. You wonder when daddy will go buy more groceries.
11:30 a.m. - Uncle came to visit with some take out, saving you the effort of opening a can of beans. You're very happy about this.
12:00 p.m. - Eat with Uncle and baby sister. He makes you both laugh. Your belly is full. Uncle helps clean.
1:00 p.m. - Uncle has been talking with daddy for awhile. He comes downstairs looking sad and disappointed. But decides to take you and baby sister shopping.
2:00 p.m. - Uncle buys you and baby sister some new clothes and shoes. Baby sister drops her ice cream, your shoes keep coming untied and you trip, and the grocery bags busted open twice but, you're happy to have Uncle around. He buys supper, and all three of you eat out.
5:00 p.m. - You, Baby sister, and Uncle make it home after a series of minor inconveniences while shopping for groceries. Uncle offers to play with you and baby sister.
6:30 p.m. - You try making cookies after playing but the fire alarm went off. Daddy runs downstairs. He quickly turns off the oven and places the burning pan into the sink. He and Uncle start yelling at each other. You start crying. Was this your fault?
7:00 p.m. - Daddy apologizes with a hug but goes back upstairs. Uncle looks annoyed but really sad. Was daddy still angry with you?
7:30 p.m. - Uncle helps you and baby sister into the bath. A splash fight ensues and you forget for a moment that he was yelling at daddy an hour ago. The bathroom is wet but Uncle promises to clean up.
8:00 p.m. - You and Uncle put Baby sister to bed. You read a book and Uncle helps with words you don't know. When Baby sister fell asleep, Uncle leads you out of the room.
8:30 p.m. - Uncle decides to help you learn the cookie recipe! You are happy! You're sure some cookies will make daddy happy!
9:00 p.m. - Uncle helps you with the cookies this time. Flour and batter got everywhere but you both had fun. He avoided the kitchen when the oven was on for some reason. Uncle promises to clean up later.
10:00 p.m. - the cookies are done and tasted good... almost like mommy's.
10:30 p.m. - Uncle takes you upstairs to go to bed. You stayed up late but that day had been more fun because Uncle visited. He tucks you in and says 'thanks for your help today, kiddo.' And you fell asleep, happy to know you also helped him, too. Because, for you, 'Thank you' was the closest you could hear to someone saying 'I love you' since mommy left.