Lake House

A Modern Parable

"I can't do this anymore," said Francis, as she dropped to her knees.

The family had gone away for a nice vacation, but Francis had a large report that she had to review. Joseph's work always needed editing, always needed rewrites. Francis felt like she was doing the work of all the people at the office, and she was.

She let out a deep chest cough, holding her two hands to the floor.

Her husband rustled in the bed. Francis' cough had woken him.

"It is 3 a.m.," he muttered. "You all right?"

Tears streamed down Francis' face.

"Yeah, honey, go back to bed."

Another chest cough. More tears dribbled down.

"Remember, we have a boat outing today," he said, as he rolled over.

Boat outing?

Francis had completely forgotten.

"I'll have to stay away from the boat," she thought, "so I don't get them sick."

More time to review the report.

A smile crossed her face.

A story by Pemba Umoja