Joe: this train is for Dad and me and Bobbie. Here’s our beds and this part’s where we keep the toys.

Me: Where am I?

Joe: You’re on the other train.

I pulse with guilt over having been gone a lot the last few weeks, I vibrate with that weird childish feeling that Moms get that their kids don’t like them enough. But try and keep my voice normal because these are not actual trains and we are not actually on them.

Me: ….But can’t I be on your train?

Joe: No, you can’t.

Me: But honey, I… I want to be on your train.

Joe. There’s no roo —

Me: I WANT TO BE ON YOUR TRAIN

Joe: ………

Me: …………………………..

Joe: We can hook them together

Me: (Fully crying) YES, YES LET’S DO THAT