Dark clouds loomed overhead and drizzly sprinkles were already starting to fall as I scampered to the car with my backpack and laptop bag slung over my shoulder. Hubby followed behind me, Baby Champuru cuddled snugly in his arms. They came outside to see mommy off on her first day of work.
I didn’t want to make a big deal out of my departure, worried that it might set off a meltdown that Hubby would be left to deal with. So I casually said, “Mommy is going to work, baby. I’ll be back soon. You be a good girl today, okay? Bye, sweetie.”
She looked at me curiously as I got into the car and waved at her through the open window, probably thinking, hey, where’s mom going without me? But thankfully, her curiosity did not turn into anxiety and I managed to drive away without a scene. She threw me a kiss and daddy waved.
Rush hour traffic had already cleared by the time I hit the freeway, so it was smooth sailing even with the rain that grew heavier as I approached the windward side. I flipped off my radio and had a conversation with God. It was wonderful. Praying as I drove through the scenic H3 freeway, the majestic Koolau mountains towering beside the highway and the raindrops pattering against the windshield.
The rain cleared as I drove into Kailua and had stopped by the time I parked my car a few blocks away from the office. I enjoyed the walk immensely.
The day went quickly, but I thought about Baby Champuru often, wondering what she was doing and whether she was faring well enough without me. Knowing how an ill-timed phone call could interrupt her precious naptime, I refrained from checking up on her. I knew that if anything happened that I would get a phone call. With my iPhone within arm’s reach, I knew that no news was good news — and as long as my phone didn’t ring, all was well.
I was gone for a total of 7 hours today and according to my parents, Baby Champuru didn’t seem to mind that mommy was absent. She was on her best behavior for Baba and Jiji and simply a joy to be around. The beaming smile that greeted me let me know that everything went well and that she was a happy camper, even though I wasn’t there to dote on her all day. I’m so proud of her.
