"Because, Evan, Mommy has to work. It's the busiest time of the year and we have bills to pay." She glanced over at the growing stack on the kitchen counter, the source of the gnawing, ever-present worry in her stomach. "You remember what Mommy told you? That this is the busiest time of year for her?" "Well, I think it's stupid," the little boy grumbled. "Why can't people just do their own shopping." Laura stuffed her son's Thermos into his lunch box and zipped it shut. "Because some people are very busy and don't have time." Now finish your toast. "The bus will be here in a few minutes." Outside it was bitter cold. Laura could have watched Evan and his friends board the bus from her apartment window, but she was too protective for that. As always, she stood on the walk, her breath coming in steamy spurts, until her bundled-up son and his friends had managed to board the bus that would take them to Little Friends Day School. The tuition bill from the school was among those sitting on her counter.
