-Safe at home-

Things pretty much settled in the Peabody-Porter home. Helena started working at the new office down town. When we lived in Chicago she started her own company that specializes in vaccination production for underdeveloped countries—a dream Helena could finally actualize after her mother released her for Peabody Foundation duties. The numerous pictures adorning the walls of the children’s room are from a three-month trip we spent in Africa when we went to see if the vaccinations were working.

I sit in the living room drinking coffee, looking over papers for the new teacher at my school. The twins are at the kindergarten we showed them last week, which they seem to really love. I’m flooded with relief that both of them are getting on nicely with other kids, knowing Dana is a little shyer than her sister.

The door opens bringing in Helena who is looking extremely tired and disheveled. I quickly organize the papers before greeting my wife. “Hey, honey” I say softly as she falls into my embrace. “Tired” she manages to mumble into my shoulder. Her appearance causes me to remember how much of a workaholic I used to be; I can’t help but smile at her fatigue. “Come on” I suggest, pulling out of the embrace to lead her over to the couch. “Now, I want you to rest, sweetie.” I lightly order before leaving to close the front door. After the long hours Helena had to endure in order to scout, procure and set everything up at the new office, it’s no wonder she comes home completely spent every night. Still, the hectic schedule doesn’t deter my beautiful wife from taking an hour out of her day to come with me to pick up the children. She truly is dedicated to her family; not even traffic can keep her away from our bundles of joy. “Fuck! It is days like this I hate my job, the government of Tanzania isn’t very cooperative” her is full of pent up frustration. “I know baby, you are doing a great job” I reassuringly stroking her cheek.

We lie on the couch for a couple of minutes because Helena needs to regroup right now. I wait for her to share what she needs from me. “Mum came to work today” she says quietly. I sit up abruptly, taking her with me. “What did she do?” Helena chuckles at how quickly I become protective. “She has nothing but bad things to say to you” I respond defensively. “Well, she kept ranting on my situation with Winnie and about my relationship with my kids.” Her playful smirk fades at the admission. “Honey, look at me.” My index finger lifts her chin so her eyes meet mine. “You are a great mother, Helena. You not seeing Wilson and Jun Ying is due to Winnie’s refusal to cooperate. You know our children adore you. Your mother hasn’t spent any time with you while caring after Dana and Peggy, so it’s no wonder she’s never once commented on your relationship with them.” I hope my sincerity reaches her, breaks through the intermittent insecurity that creeps in once in a while. “Thanks, darling.” Snuggling with Helena is one of my favorite things in the world, and this time is no exception. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. “Honey, if you want, we can take Winnie to court” I offer and pull her closer to me. “Maybe, we should.” Her determined response carries the Peabody confidence I’ve grown to love.