No caroling again this year...

This year, Simone was determined to join her good friend's annual carolling expedition through the neighbourhood. Not that Simone sings even remotely well - but the appeal of joining a group to spread some Christmas cheer through music overwhelmed her. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be. "I won't be able to go. Again," sighed Simone on the phone. "What's wrong this year?" Simone's friend asked. "Little B has the flu. We were both set on going but he keeps puking plus he's got as much energy as a slug right now. He's on the couch, barely moving an eyelid." Both friends sighed in unison. "Could you come by yourself maybe?" Simone's friend suggested. Simone contemplated this possibility for a few moments before turning it down. She'd never feel right leaving her sick kid at home. His joy would have been infectious. His absence was unfathomable. And to think that once upon a time, before kids, Simone thought her life was complicated...