I had already decided to let them be. I just needed to survive a few more days. But they wouldn’t let me have peace.
“Anna, apologize to Lily! I can’t believe how vicious you are, deliberately provoking a pregnant woman!”
I took a deep breath. “You’ve misunderstood,” I said, my voice calm and even. “I’m not feeling well and have no appetite. As a fellow expectant mother, I thought you might understand.”
The mention of my own pregnancy seemed to register with Michael for the first time. His expression shifted. He waved a dismissive hand at me, signaling I could go. He then turned back to Lily, murmuring soft, comforting words to her as she sobbed in his arms.
It didn’t matter anymore.
3
My body ached. The cramps from the procedure were getting worse. Through the bedroom door, I could hear their laughter.
Michael had started sleeping on the sofa a few weeks ago, shortly after Lily arrived. He said it was to avoid any “impropriety.” As if our sleeping in the same bed was the problem
I lay awake for hours. Just as I was drifting off, a loud banging on the door startled me awake. I opened it to find Michael standing there, a look of disgust on his face. He covered his nose.
“What is that smell? It stinks in here.”
My mind raced, trying to think of an excuse for the faint, metallic scent of blood.
He looked me up and down. “You’re both pregnant. How is it that Lily smells like milk and honey, and you smell… foul?”
“What do you want, Michael?” I asked, my patience gone.
06-14
11
“I want you to give this room to Lily. Her back hurts. Your bed is more comfortable than hers.” He gestured for me to get out. “Hurry up. And change the sheets before she comes in.”
I clutched my stomach, the pain doubling me over, and slammed the door
in his face.
