Clara and her widower Dad are close, but his newest dating move strained relations. Clara is wounded and outraged when her Dad labels her the housekeeping to impress his new lover. Clara shows her dad that this “house cleaner” can clean more than just rooms to teach him a lesson.
My “mess” began 10 years ago at seven.
After Mom left, Dad and I lived in our huge old home. I missed her daily, but Dad needed me, so I kept going.
I became proficient at preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I sometimes helped Dad fold clothes and pair socks or poured cereal and milk for breakfast. To aid him as much as possible.
Dad felt lonely without Mom, as did the home.
Dad and I became closest friends because of loneliness. Watching movies, talking about the day, or lounging on the porch were our nighttime activities.
I adored those times. They made me feel like a team with him. Dad told tales about Mom, and I told him about school. Daily conversations helped us recover.
Dad was confusedly glancing at his computer one day. “What’s wrong, Dad?” I requested.
He groaned, “I’m trying to make a profile on this dating site, Clara, but I don’t know what to say.”
I laughed. “Let me help, Dad!” I said. I got on his lap to see the TV. Say you enjoy fishing and reading.”
He chuckled. Do you think that will work?
“Yeah! “And say you’re a great cook,” I smiled, knowing he could only prepare spaghetti and scrambled eggs.
Dad followed my advise and made it our game. I helped him respond to women’s messages. I sometimes made stupid ideas to make him chuckle. “Tell her you make awesome peanut butter sandwiches,” I said, and we laughed. It was nice to see him grin again.
Dad and I improved living without Mom despite its challenges. Our dependence on one other increased daily. I demonstrated my caring by helping him date. He and I both sought happiness.
As a team, we could do anything. One night, that changed.
Just returned from a fantastic night at my buddy Emma’s place. Dad and an unfamiliar lady greeted me in our living room, shocking me. Dad whispered to her on the sofa. I almost dropped my backpack in shock.
Dad got crimson at me. A worried man jumped up. Uh, Clara! Hi! Yes, this is… He stammered so much I felt sorry for him.
“Who’s this, Daniel?” she inquir
What happened next changed everything…
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