“After the appointment, I need help moving.”
He paused.
“Are you sure?”
That’s why I trusted him.
“And Shaun?”
He didn’t tell me what to do.
He asked.
“I’ve never been more sure.”
***
Shaun arrived quickly and took the diaper bag from my shoulder.
“Tell me what you need.”
“We open the old house.”
The old house had belonged to Mom and Dad.
“I’ve never been more sure.”
After Dad died, Mom stayed there for a while, then moved somewhere smaller. She later transferred the house to me because she wanted it kept in the family.
Ryan hated it.
He called it old and inconvenient.
I had let it sit mostly empty because arguing with him had always felt harder than giving in.
Ryan hated it.
***
Shaun glanced at me as he pulled away from the clinic. Luna was asleep behind us, Soleil was chewing her sleeve, and Bodhi kicked his feet against his carrier.
“All three are fine,” I said. “The nurse said they’re growing well, and we should keep doing what we’re doing.”
Shaun tightened his hands on the wheel. “We? Ryan isn’t here.”
“That’s why we’re leaving.”
“We? Ryan isn’t here.”
He looked at me. “Are you leaving because you’re angry or because you’re done?”
“Both.”
“Anger wears off, Shan. Three babies depend on you. Make sure this is the best choice for them.”
