Margot's alarm clock cut through the early morning silence, pulling Margot from a restless sleep. She lay in her bed momentarily, trying to prepare for the day ahead. She could hear Emma's door open and close, a reminder that life was moving on whether she was ready or not.

Today was her first day as a second-grade teacher at the local elementary school. The nerves that had kept her awake most of the night were still there, but she couldn't afford to dwell on them. Emma and Mikey needed to get ready for school, and Margot had to ensure everything was prepared for the day ahead of her.

In the kitchen, Emma and Mikey were already sitting at the table. Mikey was eating some cereal, his face still puffy from his sleep.

"Good morning!" Margot said, trying to seem cheerful.

Emma glanced up and smiled at her. "Morning. Are you nervous?"

"A little," Margot admitted, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "But it'll be fine. I just need to get through the first day."

Mikey makes a face as he says, "Why are you dressed like that? You look like such a teacher."

"Good thing I am one," Margot replied, laughing and ruffling his hair as she sat down.

"Is Dad coming back soon?" Mikey asked directly.

The question hung in the air momentarily as she searched for the right words. Truthfully, Margot had no idea when Jason would be back.

"I'm not sure, Mikey. But I'm here, and we'll be okay, alright."

Mikey didn't respond, and his focus returned to his breakfast.

Emma watched their exchange quietly, the faint smile on her face fading as she returned to her breakfast. Margot noticed the shift and was concerned. Emma had been so quiet lately, so withdrawn. Margot wanted to reach out and ask what was on her mind, but there never seemed to be a good time. And truthfully, she wasn't sure she was ready to handle the answer.

"Alright, you two," Margot said, standing up and grabbing her bag. "Time to go. Let's get this day started."

—-

Margot's first-day teaching was a blur of tiny voices, eager faces, and the overwhelming responsibility of managing eighteen second-graders. She had carefully planned her lessons, but the reality of a classroom full of energetic kids was far more chaotic than she had remembered.

The morning flew by in a blur of reading exercises, math problems, and trying to keep her students focused. During recess, Margot leaned against the playground wall, watching the kids run around and burn off their energy. Despite the chaos, there was something comforting about the teaching routine. It was a distraction from the heavy thoughts that had been consuming her since her mother's death.

By the end of the day, though, Margot was exhausted. She watched as the children gathered their things and headed out the door.

"See you tomorrow, Ms. Hayes!" one of the girls called out as she left the room.

—-

Margot sat at the kitchen table with Emma and Mikey. They worked on their homework as Margot finished her lesson plans for the week. Her phone buzzed with a text message from her dad, Jason.

Jason: Hey Margs. We are coming home earlier than expected. I should be there around dinner.

Margot's chest tightened. She didn't know when they were coming home but didn't expect them for at least a few weeks. She felt a mix of anxiety and relief wash over her. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face him just yet.

"Hey, Em, Mikey, Dad's coming home tonight," Margot said as she stood up from the table, trying to sound casual.

Emma looked up from her homework. "Really? That's… unexpected."

"Yeah, I know. I wasn't expecting it either," Margot said, trying to hide her nerves.

Margot and the children spent the afternoon preparing for Jason's arrival. Emma set the table, and Mikey attempted to help by dusting the living room furniture. Margot wanted to make everything look presentable, but she also felt the weight of her emotions bear down on her.

As dinner time rolled around, Margot was anxiously checking the clock. She had just finished setting the table when she heard tires coming into the driveway. She looked up, expecting to see her dad walk through the door. Instead, the door swung open, and Jason, along with a few other members of the team, walked in. They were all carrying bags and looked exhausted but happy to be home.

Margot stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing, trying to come up with words. "Dad! It's good to see you," she said awkwardly.

Emma and Mikey rushed over, their faces lighting up with excitement and relief. Margot forced a smile, but her emotions were a tangled mess.

"Welcome home," Margot said, trying to keep her voice steady as she embraced her father. The hug was awkward, but it was an attempt to bridge the gap that had grown between them.

Jason took a deep breath, taking in the familiar but changed environment of the house. "It looks like you've been busy."

Margot nodded, trying to keep her composure. "It's been… a lot. But we've managed."