Needs

Let's talk about needs.

Needs are exhausting.

I need to make lunch.

BUT at the same time:
Samuel needs a drink of water. Thomas needs me to hold him. Natalie needs to sit on the counter. Samuel needs a turkey sandwich. Natalie needs to taste what I'm preparing. Samuel needs me to guess what. Thomas needs a nibble of food. Natalie needs to know what's in this cabinet. Samuel needs to know if it is cold outside. Natalie​ needs the pink plate. Samuel needs to kiss my hip. I step on him - SHIT! Someone needs me to answer the phone. Howie needs a kitty treat, certain he'll find one if he laces between my ankles. I step on him - DAMMIT. Samuel needs to know if he can also have pretzels. Natalie needs to tell me she loves me. Samuel needs to tell me he loves me 5,000. Thomas needs me to adjust my grip before he falls.

I need to take deep breaths. (I forget to.) I need to not yell. (I yell.) I need to make lunch. (I can't.)  I need to make lunch!!! I JUST NEED TO MAKE LUNCH; IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK???

I send them to the table. They creep back into the kitchen. I begin to wave arms haphazardly. "Enough! No! I can't!" I wave in all directions to encompass all things. Just in case they've thought of something else.

"No! Get out! Go to Samuel's room and do not come down until I call you!"

I need to make lunch.

SHIIIT.