Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Mariana

The kids are down for a nap and I have a chance to sit for the first time in hours. The older they get, the more active they are. Especially Lina. Not for the first time, I wish we had a back yard and a swing set for the kids. They've been begging to go to the park all day, but no way. They would probably be fine if I just bundled them up, but I would never get over the chill.

Victoria, my friend from the marriage conference, crosses my mind. I haven't talked to her in a few weeks.

Picking up my phone, I dial her number and wait.

"Hello?" she answers, interrupting the third ring.

"Hey, Victoria. It's Mariana."

"Hey girl!" She sounds excited to hear from me, making me smile. Sometimes I forget how little adult interaction I get. It helps having Marcus live next door, but he has a job and a life, too. "How's it going in your neck of the woods?"

"Surprisingly, not terrible. How's it going over there?" I settle back into the couch, putting my feet on the coffee table.