Sandra finished loading the dishwasher amidst the morning chaos. Peter was playing the piano, while seven-year-old Cas attempted to play the recorder. The combination made Sandra shudder. She mentally ran through her to-do list as she pulled dinner out of the freezer, pausing for a quick glance at the calendar.

“Cas, grab your library book.” She put the frozen casserole on top of the stove to defrost and poured herself a cup of coffee, wondering if she had time to advance the laundry before the bus came.

She passed Kevin in the hallway and spotted a tiny square of tissue on his cheek. Dora must have spent far too long primping in front of the mirror, holding up the bathroom again. Sandra closed the dryer and turned it on.

“Dora, your ride will be here soon.” 

“I know.”

Of course she did. Sandra chuckled and headed for the living room.

“Shoes on.”

There was a momentary lull before the room filled with chatter as Peter and Cas scrambled to get ready. She waited with them until they were on the bus. Halfway up the driveway, she met Kevin as he headed out for work. 

“Hold on,” she said, and reached in to remove the tissue.

He mumbled his thanks and drove off. 

“Bye, Mom,” Dora said, rushing past her.

Inside, Sandra frowned and looked around. What was she supposed to be doing? The house was too quiet for her to think. Oh well, at least she could finish her coffee.

Word: calendar | Action: filling