Page 38 of Madness

"Alright, alright," Brad interjects, but he's smiling too. "Let's focus, guys. We've got a tour to prepare for."

As we dive back into rehearsal, I can't help but sneak glances at my notebook. The lyrics might be rough, the melody still forming, but the feeling behind them... that's real.

That's powerful.

And for the first time in years, I'm excited to see where these songs - and this relationship - might lead.

I finally have a muse.

21

GODDESS

LAUREN

The campus bustles with activity as I navigate the parking lot, Roman's hand firmly in mine. The admissions building looms ahead, a mix of excitement and anxiety churning in my stomach.

"Mommy, are we seeing the fish tanks again?" Roman asks, tugging at my hand.

I smile, remembering his fascination with the marine biology department's aquariums during our last visit. "Not today, sweetie. We're going to check out that special place I told you about, where you might spend time while Mommy's in class."

Inside the admissions office, I spot Deborah, the kind woman who helped me with my application paperwork. She waves us over with a smile.

"Lauren, good to see you again. And this must be Roman," she says, crouching down to his level. "I hear you're quite the fish expert."

Roman nods shyly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

As Deborah finalizes my enrollment documents, my phone buzzes. It's a text from Shannon.

SHANNON: Just crossed into Oregon. How are my two favorite people holding up?

I type back quickly.

ME: Hanging in there. At the college checking out the daycare. Drive safe. Call when you can.

"And you're all set for the student daycare tour?" Deborah asks, bringing my attention back.

I nod eagerly. "Yes, we're really looking forward to it."

She makes a quick call, then leads us across the familiar campus to a cheery building with a playground out front. Inside, the walls are covered in children's artwork, and the sound of laughter fills the air.

Ms. Patel, the daycare director, greets us warmly. As she shows us around, Roman's initial hesitation fades. By the time we reach the preschool room, he's eagerly exploring the toy area.

"Remember, Roman," I say gently, "this isn't for today. But you might spend time here when Mommy starts her classes."

He nods, already engrossed in a colorful puzzle.

"We have a few spots still available for the fall semester, so you’re in luck," Ms. Patel explains. "The hours align with classes, and we offer extended care for study groups or lab work."

Relief washes over me. This could work. This could actually work.

As we leave campus, my phone rings. It's Shannon.

"Hey, road warrior," I answer, putting it on speaker as I buckle Roman into his car seat. "How's the drive?"

"Long," Shannon sighs. "But the scenery's beautiful. How did the daycare tour go?"

"Good! Roman, want to tell Aunt Shannon about the cool toys you saw?"

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