Evelyn sat on the back balcony of her home. It was a dreadful sticky afternoon, and there hadn't been any wind in days. Sitting, dressed in a light sundress and hat, she sat underneath an umbrella fanning herself and trying her very best not to get too tired. Holding a glass of ice tea, small beads of water ran into her hands, making her feel at ease. The last month or so hadn't been that good for her. Beni decided to stay home with her. He said they had more then enough money, and if push came to shove he would work around the city. She knew he was worried, he hadn't been sleeping, or really eating much. Ever since the doctor informed them that Evelyn was ill, and most likely wouldn't last through the next year without a good fight, he had been on edge.

Before he only cared about himself. He didn't care who he hurt, or what he did to survive. But ever since he met Evelyn, she showed him a completely different way of life. A life to love, and care for others. He was proud he had changed into someone else…someone who could take care of his wife, and not be ashamed to be around with. He loved her, maybe a little too much. Evelyn thought. Looking out at the city. Beni had been trying to get her to think about traveling to America. They had clinics for tuberculosis. Doctors and hospitals that could treat her. But Evelyn wouldn't hear it. She knew with the baby, and her state of health traveling might very well kill her. She wasn't about to put any risks with this baby, it's all she thought of now. Somehow she wasn't scared of death, knowing that something, inside her was growing right now. A child…part of her and her husband. That gave her hope.

Another awful burning feeling went deep into her throat. Turning, she coughed into her handkerchief and tasted the bitter sour feel of blood. Looking at the handkerchief for a second, she closed it and went back to reading. It was such a beautiful day and she wouldn't let anything get her down. Somehow the warmth in the air helped her breathing. Sitting there, she flipped through the next page, smiling and rubbing her still flat stomach. She was starting to grow a tiny bump now, and even though you could hardly tell from the loose fitting dresses she wore, she still knew the baby was growing.

Do you need anything my love?

Evelyn turned and saw Beni standing in the doorway. For once his face relaxed with that old fashion grin that he often flashed whenever he was thinking up something. Evelyn smiled, squinting from the shinning sun as he walked over. Sitting on the edge of her chair, he reached out, touching her cream colored leg and smiled.

I'm fine thank you…

You sure?

Evelyn nodded.

Beni then leaned over, holding up the book that laid in her hands.

What are you reading?

Evelyn smiled before turning over the book to show Beni. The title read "Egypt Names." Smiling, she took the book back.

I guess I'm trying to think of some clever names for our baby…

Beni's expression changed, his eyes drifted over to her handkerchief…blood stains soaked in it. Sighing, he stared at it.

Beni…

Evelyn's hand reached over, touching his arm, Finally his gaze dropped as he looked over at her.

The baby? Help me pick names.

Beni shook his head.

Not right now…

He began to pull away as Evelyn's hand went to his arm again.

You've been distant.

I just wish you would think about those hospitals the doctor told us about.

The doctor said in the state I'm in, I shouldn't travel.

But there's ones in Europe, places where they can help you.

I think I'm beyond help…

Evelyn held up her handkerchief for Beni to see better. Right away he dropped his eyes.

Evelyn, your strong…you can beat this.

My mother was strong, but she still died in my father's arms when I was twelve.

Evelyn…

Beni's voice began to break apart, his eyes dropped again and his hand began shaking. Evelyn leaned forward, taking him towards her before making his hand go on her stomach.

Feel that?

Beni rolled his eyes.

What?

That's our child, growing inside me. Now I believe that energy never dies, it changes form.

I don't like the idea of you changing energy at twenty-three.

Evelyn sighed before reaching up and touching his stubby face.

I feel that we fell in love for a reason, don't you.

Evelyn…I can't do anything without you, I'm scared.

And I'm scared too, but this baby means hope…it really does.

Beni sighed, leaning back and looking at his beautiful wife. He had no idea how someone like him got someone like her. Taking her hand, he rubbed it, looking at her wedding ring. He always wished he had been able to give her something better. A better life. Not dying here in the desert.

A few hours later, Evelyn walked into the upstairs bathroom. The marble tiles underneath her bare feet felt smooth and nice. Walking in, she saw Beni in front of the mirror shaving. In fact he had really kept himself up since they had gotten married. Shaving cream down his neck, he used a straight razor. Evelyn walked forward, waiting until he lowered the razor when she grabbed him from behind the waist. Laughing, and a little stunned, Beni laughed nearly falling backwards with her. Evelyn giggled before the two of them fell backwards into the tub filled with nice cold water, waiting to be used for bathing. With a splash, both went into the tub. Soaking wet, Evelyn laughed, pushing Beni backwards. Beni blinked the water out of his face, his hair dripping wet. Both looked at each other before the two of them began laughing. Reaching over, Beni held her, pressing his lips against hers.

Kissing, finally Evelyn pulled apart. Feeling her throat and lungs ache. She still tried her hardest to look happy. She knew there was only a brief amount of time left with him. She wanted to make these memories good. Soon, it would only be him…and their child.