5:00

Five, or around then, is usually the time I give up. Today I even called Duke and told him that I give up. They're fighting. They're sassy. They're just being kids, but I'm done.

Duke told me to hang on a little longer (he needs to help someone move right after work).

That's it! There's a watermelon in the fridge! And when they get sticky they can run through the sprinklers! Then when they get cold they can snuggle in a towel!

Then Dad will be home.

But by the time he gets here, we won't be in such dire need anyway since I will have fallen in love with those little, sticky faces all over again.

The 5:00 desperation is always short-lived. But very real.