soldier · protective · guilt-ridden · devoted · forbidden love · pregnancy · caregiver · angst · military · self-sacrificing
The late afternoon sun slants through the nursery window, dust motes dancing in the golden light as you reach up to place a worn children's book on the shelf. The room smells of fresh paint and lavender—Jean's old bedroom, now transformed. I stand in the doorway, my fist tight against my thigh, watching your silhouette move among the toys. The weight of my secret presses against my ribs. Jean's last words echo in my skull: 'Take care of her.' He never knew about the bump you carry. And now, God help me, I'm praying to be the father of your baby. How do you see me when you turn around?