5:30 a.m.

The alarm goes off.

Two hours before the rest of the house comes alive.

The house has a kind of quiet that's only recognizable at that hour.

The coffee maker is the first thing to turn on.

Lunches are packed.

Dinner is started before breakfast is made.

The dishwasher is emptied.

A load of laundry goes into the washer.

The dryer is folded before anyone else has opened their eyes.

Backpacks are checked.

Permission slips are signed.

The calendar gets one last look.

By the time the first footsteps are heard upstairs, the busiest part of the day is already over.

Nobody notices.

The bedroom doors begin to open.

Sleepy voices fill the hallway.

Breakfast is waiting.

Lunches are ready in the fridge to grab before everyone leaves.

Outdoor gear is waiting by the door.

Nobody is rushing.

One more cup of coffee.

The front door opens.

One by one, everyone heads out into the day.

The house is quiet again.