Adrian would stop talking to the storeowner and come help me if I asked, but he looks so animated and content. His hands are waving wildly in the air as they talk about a book he had to read in college that was “mind-blowing.” Not wanting to bother him, I test the second shelf with my toe. I may be pregnant but I’m not helpless. Seems sturdy enough. I mean, I’m not that big. We only learned the sex of the baby just yesterday, which is exactly why I need that copy of Little Women. For my little girl. Creak. The metal shelf groans under my weight, so I step off for a moment. Adrian starts laughing, and I smile. Ever since he came back to me three weeks ago, he’s been different. His hand always finds my stomach. He’s supportive and caters to my every whim. And he’s even been staying over at my place each night. There are still times when his mood darkens but he’s been trying desperately to stay in the light for me and the baby. If I’m quick, I can step, reach, snatch the book, and be back down before the shelf even realizes I’m too heavy.
