George and his Mom driving to school

Ok, George, have a wonderful time at school today! Remember that Liam will pick you up this afternoon!

I would love to pick you up, but I work late this evening. A few of the nurses at the hospital left, so we are short-staffed and those of us who are still at the hospital have to fill in for them

Why can’t you pick me up?

Me too! This afternoon is going to be epic!

I'm excited to hangout later! I just got a bunch of new video games!

Since George's Mom is works late, he often spends time with his best friend, Liam, after school.

While at work, George's mom gets a call. Since the hospital is short-staffed, she has to work through the evening and cannot pick George up from Liam's house

"Anna called in sick today. Would you be able to work into the evening?

Ms. Kelly, a teacher, gets a call that George's mom is working late, and asks Liam if he would like to have George stay for a sleepover.

George’s mom has to stay late tonight. Would you like George to stay for the night?

Yes please! That sounds awesome!

That's insane! I’m so excited.

Ms. Kelly said that we could have a sleepover! … We can play games all night long!

It’s so much fun being able to play games! I wish my parents were always busy so I could hang out with my friends all the time.

Yeah... It's fun.

George is happy spending time with Liam, but he still misses his mom.

That night, as George fell asleep, he wondered what his Mom was doing. He feels sad that he was not able to spend time with her, and does not understand why her job consumes so much of her time. 

The next morning, Liam's mom announces that their family is taking a vacation over the weekend. George thanks her for letting him stay, still unsure when he will see his mom.

We're heading out this weekend, but we can't wait to see you next week, George!

Thanks for having me!

At school, Ms. Kelly informs George that once again, his mom will be late to pick him up. 

George! Your mom is going to come a bit later to pick you up. I’ll be taking care of you until she arrives.

Ok. Thanks Ms. Kelly

Later that day, when George gets picked up from school with his mom...

George! I’m so happy to see you! How was the sleepover with Liam?

Oh George. I’m sorry. You know that I have a very important job, and that sometimes it takes away time with you.

It went well. I wish I could have spent time with you, though.

The next morning, at breakfast.

I don’t have to work today! What would you like to do?

Let’s go to the amusement park!

George and his mom enjoy their time together at the amusement park. As they leave, George looks over to his mom and says, "This is awesome! I wish we could do this more often!" His mom answers by simply saying, "I love you, George."

George, I have to go to work today. They are short-staffed.

Awww… I wanted to work on my LEGO set with you. I feel like you are always gone when we have time to spend together.

I know, and I am sorry. You know that my work is important. I help people who are sick. One day, if you got sick, you would be cared for by someone like me.

The next day.

That afternoon, George texts his mom at work. She tells him that she will be working late once again, and tells him to catch a ride with Liam and watch a movie until she gets back.