The window was always a tight squeeze but it was worth the effort. I knew which angle to twist my shoulders to gain entry. I quietly stepped into her bathroom, my sneakers made me land much softer than my boots. There was hair product and her make up bag lying in the bathroom counter. I flashed my torch at the door way. Her apartment was dark and silent. I edged my way towards her bedroom, turning the harsh light downwards.
It was reassuring to see her tucked up in bed sleeping peacefully. I’d read that being pregnant could be taxing and Juliette had a good routine. I brushed a curl away from her cheek, but she didn't move. She rarely did.
“You’re all mine, sweetheart,” I whispered, kissing her soft cheek.
I walked around to the other side of the bed, toeing my sneakers off before lying beside her.
Every night my cold and lonely bed seemed less appealing.
Her scent haunted me. The memories persisted.
I closed my eyes and placed my hand in its usual place, over her womb.
It was time show Juliette how serious I was.
?? ?? ??
Showered and shaved, I began my campaign: Secure the Uterus.
Step one—proximity and surveillance.
I adjusted the binoculars, zeroing in on the grocery store window. I’d had a clear visual, but she’d disappeared behind an aisle.
Not very thoughtful of her.
My phone rang.
Mom.
I answered and hit speaker.
“Hi, son. Are you coming for dinner tomorrow?”
“Hi, Mom. Yeah, I’ll be over after work. Did Grammy get in touch with you?”
She chuckled. “She sure did. And I’m dying to meet Juliette.”
“Excellent,” I said, just as Juliette reappeared in view.
“How’s Dad?”
She was testing oranges—squeezing each one with delicate concentration before placing them in her cart.
“He went fishing this weekend. Don’t you remember? I suppose you’ve been busy.”
Busy. Right.
“Do you want me to come over tonight?”
“No, Vera’s bringing Grace for a sleepover. It’ll be nice to have another baby in the family.”
I smiled as Juliette moved on to the bananas.
“It will, Mom,” I said, adjusting the zoom slightly.
“I’ll try my best.”
Vitamin C and potassium were covered, I hope she enjoyed her greens they were an exceptional source of folic acid.
