Wednesday's pov
A week later
I was talking to Enid about Eli's behavior. "He's always so mean to his sister." I said. Enid frowned, crossing her arms. "Well, maybe if you spent more time teaching him empathy instead of complaining about it, he wouldn't be so mean," she retorted, her tone sharp. "W-what do you mean?" I asked. "He's our child." "I mean exactly what I said," Enid shot back, her frustration evident. "You always defend him instead of holding him accountable for his actions. It's time we address this behavior before it gets worse." I frowned. "I don't do that you do." I said. "You always tell me it's just a phase or it's his way of being helpful." "That's because you never want to confront the issue!" Enid snapped, her voice rising. "You're always making excuses for him instead of addressing the problem. It's not helpful; it's enabling." "That's not true." I said. "You always make yourself seem right." "Because I am right!" Enid retorted, her frustration boiling over. "Someone needs to be the responsible parent here, and clearly, it's not you!"
I looked at her shocked. "Fine, since I'm not responsible, I'd love to see you handle them by yourself for a day." I said. Enid's expression softened slightly, but her eyes still held a hint of defiance. "Fine," she replied tersely. "I'll show you just how responsible I can be." I sat on the couch with my arms crossed. "Be my guest." I said. Enid stormed out of the room, her footsteps heavy with determination. As the door slammed shut behind her, a tense silence settled in the room, leaving me to wonder how this impromptu challenge would unfold.
Timeskip: later
I heard Enid struggling to get the kids under control. I smiled. After a few moments, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as I listened to the chaos unfolding in the other room. I got up from the couch and made my way to where Enid was struggling with the kids. "Hey, let me help," I said softly, extending a hand towards her. I lifted up Willow and she started to fall asleep. I then looked at Eli. "Do you want to go in time out?" Eli's expression softened as he looked up at me, sensing the change in my tone. "No, I'm sorry," he mumbled, his shoulders slumping. I smiled at Enid. "You're my wife I could never do such a thing to you without coming back to help." I said. Enid's eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I know," she replied, her voice filled with relief. "I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. Let's work together to help Eli and Willow learn and grow." I hugged her.
-------------------------------------------------------------
End of Chapter 12
