Four months later
I twisted the small silver band on my left hand, staring out at nothing really. I heard the kids in the living room playing with my parents, after so long it felt good to hear them laughing again, to know they were happy. I looked around my parents kitchen, well, our kitchen now too. I had waited two days. I had waited a week. A month, and I still waited.
At three months, I called my mother, and when she got to the condo I gave her the news. Not just that Gabriel was gone, but the bigger news. I slid my hand over the small baby bump, it was just starting to be noticeable.
Once again, I twisted the small silver band, thinking about taking it off. But I didn't, I couldn't, because he had promised he'd come back, and no matter what was said, or unspoken by everyone, I knew he would. He had promised.
I tried again, unsuccessfully, to move out of bed. I couldn't remember ever having this much difficulty with Evee or Vincent, either way, I was beyond ready to just push him out at this point. I heard my mom giggling from the door. "Need help sweetie?" I gave her a withering look. "Nah mom, just thought I'd lay here all day like a beached whale." She stumbled over, laughing almost hysterically. "Just gimme a minute to catch my breath baby girl and I'll help."
How had I managed to do this before, I thought. Maybe my son just wanted to be difficult like⦠I forced myself to not think about Gabriel. He was coming back, he promised. It was the one truth I clung to, what I told myself every night as I lay in bed alone, and every morning when I got up. He had promised me.
I was feeling exhausted, try being eight months pregnant and doing anything, it's impossible. Especially with my mother and father hovering constantly. I finally managed to get a moments peace, standing on the back porch.
I felt a small hand grab mine, and I smiled down at Evee. "What's up buttercup?" She looked down and shifted her feet. "Momma, do you think daddy will come home soon?" I felt my heart seize in my chest. "I don't know Evee, but I do know that he promised me he would come back to us." She smiled up at me, with all the faith a child can have. "Don't worry momma, me and Vincent will help you take care of our little brother until he can come home." She skipped away, all smiles and bouncing curly hair.
Gabriel, I prayed, wherever you are, come home soon, don't let me have our son alone. Please keep your promise.
