As the sun rises on another glorious Sunday morning, the weather is simply perfect. The melodious chirping of birds fills the air, creating a serene atmosphere. In the midst of this tranquility, Ms. Knight savors her coffee in blissful silence. Lost in her thoughts, she contemplates the rollercoaster ride of being a single mom. Not only is she responsible for her own children, Kendall and Katie, but she also embraces the role of a mother to James, Carlos, and Logan, her bonus sons. Juggling the care of four teenage boys and a ten-year-old girl is undeniably challenging, yet she tackles each day with unwavering determination. Sometimes, even she wonders how she manages it all.
Ms. Knight's moment of peace and quiet is interrupted as Carlos bursts into the living room with boundless energy. He rushes over to hug her before heading to the couch to watch SpongeBob on TV.
"Good morning, Carlos. It's always a delight to see you in such high spirits," Ms. Knight says with a smile as she starts preparing breakfast.
"Buenos Dias, Mama Knight!" Carlos exclaims. "I had the most incredible dream last night. My Papi and I were flying on a dragon, but we weren't knights in a kingdom - we were pirates!"
"Wow, that sounds like quite the adventure," Ms. Knight responds, always intrigued by Carlos' vivid imagination. "Were these pirates good or bad?"
"Definitely bad pirates, Mama Knight. Very bad," Carlos confirms.
"Did you and your dad manage to defeat them?" Ms. Knight inquires.
"Not yet. They had a lot of weapons that we need to take apart," Carlos explains.
"Well, I'm sure you and your dad will prevail in your next dream," Ms. Knight reassures him.
"My Papi can do anything. He's the best," Carlos says, displaying his deep love and admiration for his father.
James, Logan, Kendall, and Katie promptly enter the living room.
"I just wanted to inform you all that I will be spending the entire day at the library to continue my research on the solar eclipse. I require peace and quiet to aid me in studying and relaxing. I find it difficult to focus here," Logan explains.
"Why is that?" Carlos inquires.
"This apartment can be quite noisy at times. Even during the school week, I struggle to find the tranquility needed to complete my homework," Logan elaborates.
"Understandable, Logan. We respect your need for a quiet environment," Kendall acknowledges.
"I fail to see the appeal of reading," James comments.
"You simply need to have a passion for it, James," Logan responds. "Carlos, I need you to accompany me downstairs to the lobby after breakfast."
"For what reason?" Carlos questions.
"It's a surprise," Logan reveals.
"Exciting," Carlos responds.
"Tyler and I will be heading to the community center today. We will have ample space to continue our artwork," Katie announces.
"Kendall and James, do you have any plans for today?" Ms. Knight inquires.
"I will be spending time with Jo," Kendall replies.
"I plan on emulating Michael Phelps by practicing swimming in the pool and attempting some of his Olympic moves," James shares.
"Excellent, I'm pleased to see that you all have activities planned for today," Ms. Knight expresses.
"What about you? What are your plans for today?" Kendall asks.
"I will be visiting the spa and taking care of a few errands," Ms. Knight reveals.
Carlos inquires, "What is the reason behind your visit to the spa? Is your aura emitting negative energy? Does your horoscope also indicate a gloomy forecast?"
Ms. Knight responds affectionately, "No, my dear Carlos. I am perfectly fine. I simply need a break from constantly looking after all of you children."
Carlos expresses concern, "Are we causing you stress?"
Ms. Knight reassures him, "No, Carlos. Please understand that I love all of you dearly. Sometimes, taking care of all of you on my own can be a bit overwhelming. However, it is also a beautiful blessing to be the caregiver of such amazing children like you."
Understanding dawns upon Carlos as he says, "Alright, Mama Knight. I comprehend now. Whenever my Mami is stressed, she goes salsa dancing with her friends and makes my Papi watch Spanish soap operas with her." Carlos chuckles, "My Papi despises those shows with a burning passion."
Ms. Knight shares, "I have watched numerous Spanish soap operas with your mom, and I genuinely enjoy them because she takes the time to translate everything that is being said. I truly appreciate that."
That's awesome, Mama Knight. I watch those shows with Katie to help her learn Spanish. We're not really paying attention to what's going on in the show," Carlos explains.
"Is that why Katie yelled cállate la boca at me last week while playing Mario Kart on the FunBox? She just kept repeating it. All I did was laugh at a joke from a YouTube video I was watching on my phone," James recalls.
"She told you to shut your mouth?" Carlos inquires.
"Was that what she was saying? I had no clue," James admits.
"Carlos always advises me to practice my Spanish skills on anyone, anywhere," Katie chimes in.
"So I'm your practice dummy?" James jokes.
"Yeah, don't take it the wrong way. Embrace it," Katie encourages.
"Sometimes I just don't understand you," James says with a smile and a laugh.
After having breakfast, everyone proceeds to take showers and get dressed for the day. Logan prepares his book bag by placing his laptop inside and placing his water bottle in the side pocket. Once he has everything he needs, he puts the bag on his back and adjusts the straps to his desired comfort level.
"Carlos, are you ready? Because I am," he says.
"Ready, Logie," Carlos replies, getting up from the couch and walking towards him.
"Great, let's go," Logan says, and they both leave the apartment and head downstairs to the lobby.
Camille is sitting in a chair, engrossed in a magazine, when she notices them stepping off the elevator and walking towards her.
"Hey, guys," she greets them with a smile. "Carlos, I'm excited to spend the day together with you."
Carlos looks at Logan, confused, seeking an explanation.
"That's the surprise I was telling you about. You're going to be doing a very special activity with Cami," Logan explains. "I'll let her give you more details."
"Logan has been telling me that you're a talented cook, Carlos," Camille says.
"I'm good at making burgers with amazing flavors," Carlos proudly states.
"I know, I've tasted them. They're delicious. But what I was referring to is your skill in making delectable desserts," Camille clarifies.
"I sure am!" Carlos exclaims excitedly. "During the holidays, my Papi and I spend time in the kitchen creating all sorts of incredible sweet dishes that transport taste buds to paradise. It's my favorite part of the holidays because I get to be with my Papi."
"That's really sweet, Carlos. Today, you and I are going to make some incredible solar eclipse-themed snacks for the viewing party tomorrow. How does that sound?" Camille suggests.
"Marvelous! You and I never seem to have enough quality time together. I am truly looking forward to this. I have an abundance of ideas for what we can create," Carlos expresses.
Camille chuckles at his excitement. "I truly admire your enthusiasm, Carlos," she responds.
"Thank you for doing this, Cami. Please do me a favor and ensure he doesn't consume excessive amounts of sugar. When he indulges in too much, he becomes incredibly hyper," Logan requests.
"I have witnessed a sugar rush before, Logan. It is a typical reaction after consuming an excessive amount of sugar," Camille explains.
"I understand, but..." Logan begins to say, but then discreetly moves Camille away from Carlos' hearing range. "When he consumes an excessive amount of sugar, his behavior goes beyond a simple sugar rush. It's as if he transforms into a Neanderthal, completely losing control. He doesn't even communicate normally, just making gurgling sounds and growls. It's quite peculiar."
"Are you certain you're not exaggerating?" Camille inquires.
"I am being completely serious, Camille. Trust me, I have known him for much longer than you have. Would I fabricate something like this if I didn't genuinely care about his well-being?" Logan asserts.
"No, you are not the type of person to do that. I am aware of the strong and special bond between you and Carlos. It is truly a beautiful connection to witness," Camille acknowledges.
"Thank you, Cami," Logan responds, hearing a bus outside. "I must go now. Good luck with Carlos. Trust me, you will need it with his energetic nature."
"I will be fine, Logan. Go ahead and enjoy your time at the library," Camille assures him.
"How did I become so fortunate to have the coolest girl in the world in my life?" Logan says with a smile, kissing her forehead before leaving to catch the bus.