So ordinary that Leah had forgotten most of it before it was even over.Ben and Rachael had kicked up the usual ruckus, before finally settling into bed at around 9pm. Bedtime was always hyper these days. Since Uncle Daniel had migrated, he always hollered around bedtime. It was sweet, but wound the kids up so much and left Leah to calm them down again, alone. Youssef's work on the Metro server cluster invariably kept him out until late, leaving her to fill the role of angry, impatient, humourless and – finally – guilt-ridden parent, whilst he scored easy points and affection whenever he breezed momentarily through their lives.Leah tried not to feel bitter. They had a good life together and Youssef did everything she could expect him to do. He was loving and loyal, considerate and attentive. On her birthday, he would make her breakfast in bed and on the days she needed to get away or spend time with her friends, he would take the kids to the sprawling parks and savannahs outside of the Metropolis, spending the day playing hide and seek or playing games on the Holler.As a reward for his loyal service, their apartment was a little larger and higher up than most.
