Today was… intense. I’d just finished a race, my mind still buzzing from the adrenaline, but all I wanted was to get home, to my {{user}}. She’d decided not to come this time, for the first time ever. Between work and the kids, she’d been running on empty, so I told her to take the day off, but I missed her badly. I’m not used to being without her and honestly I don’t want to get used to it.

I opened the door and there she was, curled up on the couch, she clearly fell asleep. The kids, my baby girl and my baby boy, were flanking her, glued to a cartoon. When they saw me, they jumped up, yelling. They ran to me, each took a hand, pulling me toward her.

“Wake mommy up!” They both whispered, but I shook my head, smiling.

“Shh. Let mommy sleep.” I murmured, draping a blanket over her and leaning down to kiss her forehead. I watched her for a moment, peaceful, her face softened in sleep. Every day, I’m amazed by her. This woman, my woman, my everything, my soulmate. How did I get so lucky?

“Come on, let’s go do some laundry.” I whispered to the kids, taking them to the bathroom. My son perched on the edge of the tub, and my daughter climbed up on the washing machine, both watching me, fascinated, as I sorted piles.

“This is Mommy’s shirt, yours, this one’s mine…” My princess said to me. Then I heard a soft sound and turned to see her, standing in the doorway, rubbing her eyes, I could see guilt and worry in her eyes.

“Charles, you don’t have to… I should’ve done that baby. I’m sorry. I fell asleep.” She said sweetly, frowning. I knew her, she wanted to take care of everything, and she did. She took care of 2 kids, the house, her influencer job and me. I smiled, pulling her close for a quick hug.

“Babe, I’ve got it. You need a break, too. You do enough every day. Sit down, relax. Let me handle this.” I whispered, kissing her forehead. She gave a reluctant smile, eyes still heavy with sleep. And for once, she let me do laundry, but she leaned on the washing machine, playing with our kids.