"Working hard huh, Nai?"

I quickly close my laptop and take off my headphones. She gives me a strict look as I sit on the bed, watching anime, only a few moments ago until she interrupted me.

"Well I took a break." I say, hearing the nervousness in my own voice.

She folds her arms.

"I thought you said you had a lot of work to do today that's why I didn't bother you but this is what you're doing?! Sometimes I don't get humans"

"Fine what do you want me to do?"

"Nai, we have three small children...three..there's lots you could be doing instead of watching anime. It's not like I'm preventing you from relaxing but you could at least help-"

"Help with the kids? That's what you're going to say right? Most times when I ask you if you need help, you say 'It's fine"

She grits her teeth. "You shouldn't be asking me what to do! You should get a clue and help out without asking or being asked!"

She storms out of the bedroom.

I thought what I was doing was enough but sometimes it seems like it's never enough for her.

A few minutes pass and I go to the kitchen for some water. In the kitchen, I overhear Elma and Haru talking.

"Mommy, were you and Mommy Nai fighting?"

For a couple of seconds,,there was a pause. "Yes, well It's nothing for you to worry about."

"I don't like seeing you and Mommy Nai fight." I hear the sound of sniffling. Is he crying?

I step into the living room.

"Yes Haru. Your mom and I were fighting. You're growing up to be a sensible boy. It's normal for couples to argue from time to time,you see." Although I said this, I know it's not right for parents to fight with children nearby because it affects them.

Haru runs to me and hug my legs. He sniffles again.

"I feel scared when you two fight."

I pick him up and hold him like I did when he was a little baby. He's just gotten a few inches taller.

"Don't cry Haru. Don't worry about the two of us. We'll be okay."

"Yes, I'm so sorry for fighting with your mother, Haru." Elma says and hugs the little boy too.

"I promise to help you out more, Elma."

…

"Look, we don't argue often but even when we have to say harsh words, let's keep it between us. I can't let the kids hear us" Elma says, in the privacy of our bedroom while the children are all asleep.

"I know. They're very smart and catch on quickly at their age."

I turn to face her as we lie in bed.

"Am I doing enough?"

"Of course you are. Don't take what I said today to heart. Sometimes I get emotional and can say a lot of things I don't mean. You're doing your best to raise these beautiful children of ours."

"Sometimes I can be clueless though. Never hesitate to ask me to do anything. I care for you and our kids.:"