When my sister-in-law, Brianna, texted me asking if I could watch her kids for “just an hour” while she ran a quick errand, I was getting ready for a dinner with my friend Kate. I had to cancel my plans, knowing that the favor was important, and agreed to help her. Brianna arrived shortly after, looking put together with her kids in tow. She thanked me profusely and rushed out the door, leaving me to care for her three children. I expected her to return shortly, but as the hours went by,
I realized she wasn’t coming back anytime soon. I missed dinner with Kate and had to deal with tantrums, spilled food, and bedtime routines. I texted Brianna several times, but got no response. By 2 a.m., one of the kids had thrown up, and I was up all night caring for them.The next morning, Brianna showed up in a bridesmaid dress, as if nothing had happened. She casually handed me a bath bomb, as if that would make up for the hours of babysitting, cleaning, and stress.