Inspired by my nephew

by Emily Shea

Just 13 years old. Trying to keep it together. Air hugs squeezing tight. Caring for adventurous Cole, not yet 2 years old. (How did he make his way into the backyard alone, again?) I want to help Mom a little- Beckett will be born in a few weeks. I wear headphones to try to focus on home school, to try to drown out Abby singing her addition and subtraction problems aloud. It’s hard to focus. Grandma and Grandpa live across town; Aunt Emmy is home with them now. They could be a world away. I smile on FaceTime, but cry afterwards. Grandma usually loves to chat but now she’s so quiet. Nothing is alright.