I’m not able to, Patrick. What do I know about
babies? What do I know about sacrifice, work and
bills? What do I know about life? I’ve always lived
by relying on my father and then I moved in with
Nate and I depended on him. I don’t know what to
do on my own; I don’t even know how to take care
of myself. I’m still like a little girl,” she concludes,
as tears start streaking her silent face. “And if I
even start to think about another solution … you
see? I can’t even say the words.”
I take my hand out from my pocket and bring it
to her face. I tuck back a tress of her wild hair
behind an ear just in time to see the last tear glue
itself to her cheek.
I brush it away and she sighs just slightly.
“I think you’ve already made your choice.”
6
Erin
I am definitely better today and it’s strange
because it’s also my first visit to the gynecologist.
Rain is going with me. I didn’t ask her to, she
volunteered.
I’m sitting at the counter drinking a cup of tea
and waiting for Rain to arrive. The pub is closed
and I’ve got enough time to get back here before
work starts.
Patrick arrives and slams the door open. He’s
wearing hiscan’t do withoutsunglasses, as if there
was ever any sun around here; he has on his
indispensable leather jacket and a pair of jeans
