As Grace climbs the stairs to her apartment she inhales the unmistakable aroma of green bean casserole. The key turns in the lock, and she pushes the door open expecting to be greeted by Abigail. She is pleasantly surprised to find her mom standing at the stovetop sprinkling some parmesan cheese atop the casserole.

"What are you doing here?"

"Abigail, and I had a lengthy heart to heart. She told me that you moved back to Middleton. I thought that you might appreciate a hot meal when you got home."

"I've never eaten green bean casserole in my life."

"I am firmly aware of your feelings about green bean casserole. I actually don't have a deep affinity for it myself. I used a recipe book to make this one."

"Why? I feel like this is so out of sync. Is this where you tell me I should try something new?"

"No."

"Or that I should do it because green beans are a good source of iron, and that is healthy for the baby?"

"No," Cassie smiles, "the baby likes green bean casserole."

"So far the only thing the baby likes is cinnamon applesauce, chamomile tea, and sourdough toast, which is slightly burnt. We have it for every meal, as it is the only thing that I don't reacquaint myself with later."

"You don't have to eat this. I am happy to make you slightly burnt sourdough toast instead."

"I'll give it a try."

They sit in silence as Grace eats the green bean casserole. Cassie's thumb drums against the table. Grace meets her glance.

"Why are you nervous?"

"As your mother, I'm worried. You are twenty one years old, and you're having a baby."

"There is plenty to worry about."

Cassie nods as her eyes fixate on Grace's midsection. Grace peels off the cardigan that clings to her abdomen. Underneath her grey t-shirt appears adhered to her stomach as it rises, and falls with each inhale, and exhale. Without a word Grace lifts Cassie's table tapping hand up, and places it against her midsection.

"You know Abigail pointed something out to me recently that I wanted to share with you."

"What would that be?"

"I have put distance between us. I want you to know that is isn't for the reasons you think. Perhaps it doesn't really matter to you why, but I do think it merits a conversation. I am terrified that something will happen to you, and that thought is unbearable. Everyone that I love eventually disappears from my life for one reason or another."

"Oh. I just assumed it was because you were ashamed of the decisions I've made."

Cassie falls silent.

"I would certainly understand if you felt that way. I think we both can agree this isn't how either of us pictured my future looking at this particular juncture."

"Grace, if I've learned anything from life it's that the most amazing blessings come from situations we wouldn't have constructed for ourselves. I can admit that I was shocked when you announced you were having a baby. I am not particularly proud of the way I reacted. You are my child, and I will love you no matter what."

"I hate to cut this conversation short, but I am pretty tired, and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow."

"I totally understand," she rises from her seat.

"Good night."

Cassie plants a kiss on her forehead, "Good night, Grace."

Later that evening after a warm shower, and applying fresh pajamas Grace lies beneath her covers. The lamp that rests on the bedside stand remains illuminated. Her duvet is folded at her lap as she leans against the headboard. Her hand comes to rest on her stomach.

"I hope that you are relatively forgiving, because I have no idea what I'm doing. I know I still have a while to figure it out, but I am new to this. What am I saying? You'll be new too. Why am I even talking to you out loud? I mean I know that you can hear me, but I just sound like a crazy person."

She tries to push aside the feeling of loneliness that offers to intertwine itself with her very being. As her hand reaches out to flip off the lamp for the evening her phone vibrates. She puts it to her ear.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Well, grandma, by my watch it is only nine thirty there."

"I am heavily pregnant, and easily exhausted, Nick."

"I had to call you because I wanted you to keep an eye out for a package I am sending your way."

"For me?"

"It's for my niece," he corrects her.

"Is it a onesie that says something about her having a cool uncle?"

"No, that is cheesy. It is a surprise."

"Is it a winning lottery ticket?"

He chuckles on the other end of the line, "It might be. I did put one in the box."

"What?!"

"I knew you would ask me that. I put a lottery ticket in the box."

"I should get to bed. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow."

"Night, Grace."

"Night," she hangs up.