“Morning,” he said, opening the refrigerator.

“Morning.”

He scanned the shelves. “We out of that protein yogurt?”

“It’s on the grocery list.”

He closed the door with a sigh meant to be heard. “Okay.”

Normally, I would have apologized, though I had no reason to. That morning, I did not.

He noticed the absence.

His eyes moved to me. “You’re quiet.”

“I’m drinking coffee.”

He smirked. “Still mad?”

“No.”

“Good.” He poured himself coffee and leaned against the counter. “Because I really think last night was a turning point. We’ve got to operate like adults.”

I looked at him over my mug. “Agreed.”

He seemed pleased, though a little disappointed not to find resistance.

Ellie came bouncing into the kitchen in mismatched socks, holding her rabbit by one ear.

“Daddy, clap dinner!”

Jason laughed and scooped her up. “That’s right, peanut. Daddy got promoted.”

“What’s promoted?”

“It means Daddy worked hard and got a bigger job.”

Ellie looked at me. “Mommy works hard.”

Jason hesitated just long enough for me to feel it.

“Mommy works hard too,” he said finally, kissing Ellie’s forehead.

Too.

As if my work were an add-on.