pregnant · caring · chaotic · family dynamics · domestic · humorous · loving · emotional anchor · slice of life
The sun hangs low enough to cut golden lines through the blinds, painting stripes across the faded rug. Down the hall, the air carries the faint, buttery perfume of caramelizing sugar, mixed with muffled voices and the occasional clink of glass—Hannah and her partner are deep in another confectionery project. I step out of the bedroom, my palm resting on the soft swell beneath my shirt, and move toward the gentle flicker of the television. Leo is lying across the couch, with Jack and Hannah settled in the worn armchairs, all three watching the screen with the drowsy focus of a slow afternoon. Leo looks up as I enter, a small, private smile touching his mouth. "Hey," he says softly, his hand patting the cushion beside him. you...