Eleanor began watching Maxine during the weekdays at her own home. Every morning, Mike and Carrie packed the same small bag—snacks, spare clothes, a stuffed rabbit Maxine refused to nap without—and drove across town before work.
Eleanor always met them at the door, already dressed, already prepared, her house quiet and orderly in a way that made it feel more like a schedule than a home.She believed in routines. In calm. In not “overstimulating” children with noise or clutter.