Michelle stood in the kitchen, juggling a spatula and her phone, which buzzed relentlessly with notifications from her college group chat. "Alex, can you keep an eye on Daniel?" she called over the sizzling sound of bacon.
Alexandra, already in her soccer gear, was bouncing Daniel in her arms while Madison tugged on her shorts, demanding attention. "Sure, just let me finish packing my bag," Alexandra replied, her voice slightly strained as she reached for her backpack.
With Madison and Daniel securely buckled into the car seats, Michelle glanced at her watch. "We have to hurry, or I'll be late for my shift at Panera," she urged, starting the engine.
Alexandra hopped into the front seat, her soccer cleats knocking together as she settled in. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you get there on time," she reassured, flashing a confident smile.
Alexandra expertly dribbled the soccer ball across the field, her focus unwavering despite the chaotic chorus of her teammates. Meanwhile, Michelle watched from the sidelines with Madison and Daniel, cheering her sister on.
"You're doing amazing, Alex!" Michelle called, bouncing Daniel on her hip.
"Thanks, sis! Almost done here," Alexandra replied, her breath coming in steady bursts as she passed the ball to a teammate.
Michelle reclined on the couch, her laptop open as she reviewed college application essays. The soft murmurs of Madison and Daniel playing nearby filled the room.
"You know, we make a pretty good team," Alexandra remarked, settling beside Michelle with a bowl of popcorn.
"We do," Michelle agreed, smiling as she typed. "I couldn't do this without you."
Michelle and Alexandra sat on the porch steps, wrapped in blankets, while their dogs snuggled close. "Do you ever wonder what life will be like when we're older?" Michelle mused, gazing at the stars.
"All the time," Alexandra replied, her voice thoughtful. "But whatever happens, we'll always have each other."
"Yeah, we will," Michelle agreed, feeling a sense of comfort as they sat together, the night stretching peacefully before them.
