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Lego Wars
Lucy was in the kitchen when Marcie called.
“Hey, girl. Just checking in. Sorry I didn’t call earlier, it’s been chaos here. The kids are arguing over homework, and Alex is trying to fix the leaky faucet, which is going about as well as you’d think.”
“Sounds like a party.”
“Oh, it’s a riot. But I didn’t call you for a plumbing update. How are you holding up?”
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“Then skip the start. Jump in wherever. I’m listening. Unless someone starts throwing minifigs at someone’s head again.”
“Well, we finally got Matt into therapy. Forced him, really. It wasn’t optional after what happened.”
“Bet that went over great.”
“Oh, it was a triumph. He sat there like a statue and muttered maybe two words. The therapist called it a ‘starting point,’ but he… he’s just somewhere else, Marcie.”
“Okay, sure, it’s a mess. But he went. That’s more than nothing, even if he sat there like a houseplant.”
“Maybe. But meanwhile, I’m watching him come apart in slow motion, and he keeps shutting every door before I can get to him.”
“If it’s hard, just say it’s hard.”
“Say it to who? Matt already feels like he’s a burden. To Danny, who thinks I have all the answers? I don’t get to say it, Marcie. I don’t get to fall apart.”
“You’re acting like there’s a right way to do this. Like breaking down would mean you failed.”
“Tell that to Matt when he wakes up from another nightmare. I’m trying, Marcie, but it feels like everything’s about to snap.”
“And somehow it’s still standing. But you’re not the only one holding it up.”
“Then where are they? Danny’s just a kid. I tell myself that. But he’s not. Not really. He sees more than I want him to. He knows I’m barely holding it together. And Ben? I had to drag him out of his fire station and chew him out to even get him to show up.”
The line stayed quiet.
“I don’t know how much longer I can do this.”
“Of course you feel like that. You were supposed to be grading papers and dealing with idiot parents, not trying to hold up a whole damn person.”
“I just… I don’t know. It’s too much, Marcie.”
“It is. And that’s why you need to let people step up. Let Danny help in his way. Let Ben figure his stuff out and actually show up. And let me help too.”
“You’ve got enough on your plate. The last thing you need is me dumping more on you.”
“Girl. I don’t care if I have to referee Lego wars every night. You need me, I’m here.”
A sudden crash echoed in the background, followed by a child’s anguished wail.
“And speaking of Lego wars…”
More muffled chaos.
“No, Jamie, you cannot use a lightsaber to knock down her castle!”
Another crash.
“And why is there a sandwich in the toilet tank? I don’t care if it’s for the ninja turtles, get it out!”
That made Lucy laugh out loud. “Marcie, what is your life?”
“A circus. Listen, I may be losing over here, but if you ever need a change of scenery, we’ve got plenty of bricks to throw around.”
“Thanks, Marcie.”
“Always. Now go crash for a bit. And don’t flake on girls’ night. I’m bringing the good bottle.”
“Fine. But I’m not sharing it.”
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