Briggs returned home, dirt smudged all over his face and covered his body. He didn't even bother taking off his dirty boots, leading him to track dirt, mud and debris through the house. Taron, his toddler, ran up to him with his hands in the air opening and closing them as he begged to be picked up. Briggs walked right past him without so much as a glance.
Taron sat on the floor with his bottom lip quivering as tears filled his eyes. Tara ran to him and picked him up before he exploded into an all out crying fit. She rubbed his back and bounced him lightly as she followed Briggs.
He stood at the sink and rubbed his face with water, cleaning it of the filth that covered it.
Tara stared into his eyes after he dried off his face. It wasn't just physical exhaustion that was plaguing him.
"How was today?" She asked cautiously as Taron stuck his thumb in his mouth to self soothe.
Briggs placed his hands against the counter and hung his head as he let out a huff.
