"Hi sweetie," he said.
"Are you going to sign them?" she asked.
Isaac seemed a little surprised at the question.
"Well, I don't know yet."
"I think you should. I reckon they'll make it big."
Isaac smiled. Carmen reminded him so much of Babsie when it came to music.
"Well, if you say so, I'll definitely take it into consideration," he said. "Did you want something?"
"Tobe put some bugs into the kitchen and umm... what's-her-name saw them... she screamed and started acting really, really weird."
"What's-her-name? Hilary?"
"Yeah, her. I think -" Carmen cut herself off as the door was flung open and Hilary burst in.
"I won't stay here a moment longer!" she informed Isaac, her eyes wide. "All those children, they come into the kitchen all day, all the time. No respect. No respect! I can't work like this!"
"Please, please, calm down Hilary," Isaac said, standing up and giving her a couple of tissues.
"Oh, I'm sorry Mr Hanson, truly I am. For Babsie's sake I try. I tried. But not for all the money in the world would I stay here. I'm leaving now. Today. Would you write me a reference?"
"Certainly. I'll write it while you pack."
"Thank you."
As Hilary left, Isaac gave Carmen a look.
"I tried to stop them, but they don't listen to me. Why do we need them anyway? We did fine without them."
Isaac was silent for a long time.
"You know I can't look after all you kids all the time, as much as I love you. And I don't mind putting other things on the back burner to look after you, but I... some of those things bring money into this family, and I need that to look after you."
"I'm sorry Dad," Carmen said quickly. "I knew that. It's just that... well, none of us really liked Hilary. Natalie is really great, and I know that you really needed her help with the munchkins. Is Mum ever gonna wake up?"
Isaac hugged her.
"She will wake up," he told her. "If she was going to die she would have done it long before now."
Carmen nodded then started out the door. Then she paused and turned back.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"I was thinking... if you have to get another cook, maybe you should get one who will teach us how."
Isaac nodded slowly.
"Yeah... and maybe we should restrict kitchen access. I know you kids like to raid it, but maybe it's time to get a bit more structure in this house."
Carmen smiled.
"Yeah, maybe."