Chapter Four

Walking past the many news reporters out the door, because my shift was finally over, I can't believe how many savage idiots were here. Obviously, they already heard about the drowning, I don't understand why it has to be all over the news. It wasn't like it was a murder in the community that should cause alarm. It was an accident drowning that shouldn't have to be reported anywhere. 

I make my way towards my vehicle, and my eyes nearly pop out of my head. I cannot believe it. Across the parking lot, I see a Ronald McDonald. This was the most realistic looking costume I've ever seen. Not that I ever saw the Ronald McDonald around here. It was probably some social media influencer trying to make a video go viral. 

I laugh and wave as my car pulls out of the driveway of McDonald's. 

My nose smells whatever Karen has cooking, and it smells delightful. She smiles when she sees me. My six kids were around the table enjoying what my eyes noticed as corned beef hash and eggs. I have exactly three daughters and three sons, and it was a perfect combination. I like how some days we do something girly, like watching a princess show, and on another day I'm watching wrestlers beat the snout out of each other. It made a perfect combination to where there's never a dull moment. 

"Did you deliver?" My 8-year-old son asked me, and I couldn't help but smile at Karen's laugh. 

"Yes, I got the Happy Meal toys. I put the bag in the center of the table and watched as my kids all scrambled to pick one. 

Anymore, I feel like I was their happy meal toy dealer. 

"Breakfast?" My beautiful wife asked me. 

I nod, taking the plate she passed me. 

I have exactly two hours to lay down and close my eyes before I am expected in the classroom. It was such a busy and demanding schedule. I know my wife hates when I do it, but I'm a man and it's my job to provide for my family. These were certainly qualities I learned from my father, and I'm glad I have them, even though I'm exhausted the majority of the time. 

I hear the door crack open. 

"Are you okay?" 

"About what?" I set up in bed. 

"The child they found dead."

Oh wait, yeah she probably saw that in the news. 

"Because I am a father, it's hurting me more than other employees, but yeah, I'm coping with it."

"That's straight up horrible." 

"Yeah unfair." 

After my wife exits the room, I pull the blankets up over my face and try to drown out the noise of the children racing through the house and playing. I understand they try to be quiet, but they're only just kids. How do you keep six children quiet? Finally, I feel my eyes closing, then I hear the dreaded alarm clock.