Simply routine

"The home teachers will be here any minute" my sweetheart announces.

The children are busy loosening ties and removing Sunday shoes.

They begin rummaging through the fridge and emptying out cupboards

and I make leave for the "Home Teaching Room"

the room our dog somehow claimed as his own a year and a half ago.

I pick up a squeaky ball, two rawhides,

a bright yellow chew toy from grandma.

I straighten the mess of piano music

that won't be utilized until Tuesday afternoon,

10 minutes before piano lessons.

I spritz the Antimicrobial Febreze

that kills 99.9% of bacteria that cause odors

and soon the oversized kennel smells more like a small orchard.

The doorbell rings.

The children are summoned.

Everyone is seated

and then I notice it -

the missing gym sock

covered in bile.

Curse you Murphy.