Carol rolled into her side, burying herself under the blankets. She grabbed her phone and called the office. It was a short call. She was trying to fall asleep again when Sophia entered the room.

Mum, are you ok?

I'm fine sweetie...I'm just not feeling well.

Are you still mad?

I'm not mad, honey. I don't approve what you did, but I know you were just defending yourself. And I'm proud of that.

Thanks...I can bring you some juice and a toast, what you say?

Sure honey.


Daryl arrived at the office smiling like an idiot. He was wearing his best clothes and trying to look cool. He passed through Carol workplace and noticed she wasn't there. Well that was odd. She was always one of the first to come into the office. He entered his office and founded his brother already there.

Hey lil' bro...we need to talk.

Ok.- he answered worried.- what's up?

Carol called this morning. She asked for a leave.

What? Why?

Don't know, she's not my employee. You hired her.

Merle…. What she said?

She needed a week leave, personal reasons. She didn't specify.

Fuck. - he paused.- but she didn't say why?

God, Daryl I don't know. Some shit with her daughter. I didn't ask. I guess she earned some credit by now, right? She is one of your best employees.

I know...it's just...well is odd, you know? I'm just concerned.

If you say so.

What that's suppose to mean?

That you are "concerned" just because is Carol. You and I know that you like her. Not that you are going to do anything about it, but…

Merle, shut up. - he avoided his brother gaze.- She is a good worker and I'm concerned as her boss. Period.

I'm sure you would love bossing her around in private.

Jesus Merle, seriously. Shut the fuck up. - Daryl knew his face was red as a tomato.

Fine, whatever. Anyway, I can lend you Megan from marketing to help you with Carol's clients, ok?

Yeah, thanks.- he answered distracted.

I will tell her to go by your office as soon as she get here.

At 5 pm Daryl wanted to kill Megan, or to kill himself. She was a total disaster. Daryl knew few people could replace Carol at the office, but Megan was awful. She didn't know anything about numbers, budgeting or accountancy. Daryl was forced to do everything twice, as she did everything wrong. He looked at the clock and dismissing Megan, he picked up his agenda and his laptop and left the office.

He wandered a bit around town, and after buying a latte from the cafeteria down the street he started walking towards Carol house. He wasn't sure what he was going to say to her, but he needed to do something. He didn't believe even for a moment that her leave have anything to do with her daughter. He knew it was because of the chat she sent the day before. He assumed that maybe she was embarrassed or even worried about losing her job. As if.

When he arrived at Carol house, he saw a kid around 12-13 years old playing in the grass. At soon as he approached her, she looked at him defiantly:

Hello. - he said.

I don't know you.

I'm Daryl. And your name is?

I don't talk to strangers.

Oh, yeah sure...that's good… I'm Daryl, and I'm your mum boss.

What if you are just saying that to make me believe you?

Well, I have a business card I can saw you...you want to see it?

Yes. - she took the card from Daryl's hand and studied it for a while.- it seems authentic.

That's 'cause it is.

Is my mum in trouble?

Why you say that?

'Cause she didn't go to the office today. She said she wasn't feeling well, but I think is because she is still mad at me.

She is not in any trouble...I just came to say hello.

Are you my mum's boyfriend or something?

WHAT¿? - he choked.- why you say that?

Don't know...just asking.

I'm just her boss. - he said and it felt like he was lying.

Ok.

Why you think your mum is mad at you? - he asked trying to relax himself.

'Cause I was expelled yesterday.

Why?

I broke some kid's nose. He was making fun of me and my mum. So I punched him in the face. Several times.

Wow. you are a dangerous girl then…- he said smiling.- That kid is an asshole and he deserved it..

Yeah.- she laughed, and then becoming serious she added.- But don't say that in front of my mum….she hates bad words.

I will keep that in mind. - he smiled.- you think I could go inside and talk to your mum?

I guess. But, wait here while I tell her you are here, ok?

Sure kid.

My name is Sophia, Daryl.

Ok, Soph, I will wait here.

And jumping she entered her house, calling for her mum.