-Hi, Alex.
-Oh, hi. Hey, um, I-- I meant to text you about, um--
-Yeah, I mean we missed you at the last couple meetings. You been sick or something?
-No. I'm sorry. I-- I really didn't mean to. I just-- Well there's a lot-- I have a lot going on right now, so--
-OK. Look, you got a second to talk then?
-Well, I've got class in 20 minutes, but OK. Sure.
I really am sorry, Paul. Is everybody really mad at me?
-No. No. And we started on the idea that you had for visuals, so-- But I was worried when you didn't show up. Is everything OK?
-Not really, but it's not your problem though.
-Maybe not, but you know, that's not the point. Is there anything I can do? I'm here to listen if you want to talk.
-That's so nice. I just over-committed. You know? I've had some trouble with my boss changing hours on me. And that messes up my daycare situation. And I'm pushing to get as many credits as I can this semester. I mean, it all works out fine if I skip sleeping. I'm just-- I'm completely stressed.
-I didn't realize that you were a mom.
-Yep. A little girl. Her name's Amy. She's three. She's great, but I'm a single mom, and working, and the sooner I get this degree the better. I was doing OK, but when my hours changed it got crazy.
-I couldn't imagine having to deal with everything that you have to deal now. And you know, it's totally fine for you to feel stressed, right? And I'm sure this group project is just adding to everything.
-Yeah, yeah. I just-- I don't want to let the group down, though. I just-- I haven't figured out how I'm going to get the time for meetings.
-OK, well we do need you. Because all those insights you had are awesome. I don't want to lose you as a group member. So is there anything we can do to help you out as a team?
-Well, if the group is willing, maybe we could meet at my house next time so I can be home for Amy. My house isn't that far from campus, so--
-Yeah, that's a great idea. I'll check with the other members. But, you know, I got to go and you got class, so--
-Thanks, Paul.
[sighs]