"And how am I not thoughtful?"
Chaim waved his little hands back and forth. "Mommy, Daddy, please don't fight."
"We're not fighting," Vivica said, exasperated. "We're just discussing something. You've finished eating, so go play with your toys."
Chaim was indeed full. He climbed back onto his bed and became engrossed in a new toy.
Vivica glanced at Joseph and lowered her voice. "I was just being considerate. You work so hard, and you can't get a proper night's sleep here. That cot is nothing like our bed at home; you can barely even fit on it."
"Just hearing you say that is enough to make me sleep soundly."
Vivica fell silent, but as she lowered her head to continue eating, the corners of her mouth curved into an undeniable smile.
Just as they finished dinner, there was a knock on the door. Wondering who it could be so late, Vivica turned and saw Quintina peeking in.
"Quintina?" she said, surprised.
Quintina stepped in and offered Joseph a polite smile. "Oh, Mr. Baird, you're here too."
"Did you just get off work?" Vivica asked, walking over to her friend with concern.
"Yeah, this is actually early for me. It's only just past seven," Quintina said with a self-deprecating pout before linking her arm with Vivica's. She then looked at Joseph.
"Mr. Baird, would you mind if I borrowed your wife for a little while? I promise to have her back in about an hour."
Before Joseph could answer, Vivica asked, "What's going on? You want me to get dinner with you?"
"Yes! I had a horrible day, and I'm so frustrated I feel like quitting on the spot."
Vivica knew she was still stewing over the morning's argument. She glanced back at Joseph, but before she could even ask, he spoke up. "Go ahead. I'm here with Chaim."
"Okay, I'll try to be back soon."
Quintina waved with a smile. "Thanks, Mr. Baird! Bye, Chaim! I'll come see you during the day!"
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