The house seemed alone, even with the lights on, even with the parents and children inside–the children rising from the dining room table, and parents speaking wildly to clearing the dishes.

They had told the children they didn’t have to help with the dishes this week.

The children were young enough to be able to figure their parents’ woes for long periods of time.  So they played remained quiet, the oldest one hushing the younger ones as they went upstairs.

In the dining room, the parents discussed things. Their future and the future of their children.