He was calculating the time needed to get there. The road ahead was congested; he counseled his app considering alternative routes. He started simultaneously comparing the distances, optimizing the routes, considering the path that would be the shortest and fastest; in case they didn't match, he chose the shortest path. As far as he was concerned, there always was a chance that the congestion would open up and travel would get faster.
The music in the car under the kids noises from the backseats and the direction-lady from the map app was noise to him even though she said it was a favorite.
They reluctantly stopped at a coffee shop which he commented as too neglected; she had recommended it. They all got something to drink all the while watching over kids unable to relax. The kids were too tired of sitting still and it was madness to get to the car and head to the traffic. Yet it always seemed a necessity to rush home after a full day of outdoor fun. They hushed the kids in the back and exchanged words in the form of question and answer some; otherwise they drove in silence, deep in thoughts, separately.
When they got home he got busy with putting things away and she with feeding and putting the kids to bed. He put on his earbuds listening to his music. He wanted to be toned out. He needed to zone away. He had missed his solitude.
...
He glanced at her briefly. She was looking out the window at the sunset over the ocean. He smiled triumphantly. He knew how much she loved that road and marveled at her treasured moments. Expecting the congested roads ahead, he recommended stopping at a coffee shop by the shore. She lightened up at the suggestion. They turned west away from their destination and found a local café.
The kids hurried in, feeling liberated from the harnessed car seats and ordered light sandwiches. The two of them just ordered drinks. He surprised her by ordering a hazelnut latte; responding to her questioning smile with a mischievous wink.
After the kids ate their light dinner they all headed to the shore. It was getting really cold as the oceanic winds were taking charge at early moments of the evening. They were grateful for the warmth of their drinks in their hands. He held her close watching guard on the kids who seemed oblivious to the cold. They walked on the sandy beach in silence while the kids were vailing away exhausting the last drops of energy. She was praying in her heart; loved the silence of the world around the sunset; to her it was a moment of closeness to God. He knew and respected it.
They sat on a boulder at last holding the kids on their laps. They all chatted away planning for the upcoming trip even though the kids changed subjects a zillion times. Finally, when they knew the frenzy of early evening commute was over and the kids were tired enough to enjoy the stillness of a car ride, they started heading home. Soon after, the kids zoned out. They drove home, content, chatting about many different topics quietly, listening to The Music of The Night.
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