Then I checked the schedule and saw that the emergency was already being handled by two other qualified workers.

I asked if I could take the next morning shift instead.

The supervisor said that was fine.

The world didn’t end because I had made one phone call.

At home, Finn asked why I was putting on my work boots later than usual.

I told him about the change and explained who would be home at each hour.

He listened closely.

I could see him learning, bit by bit, that a schedule was information and not a threat.