Part Thirty-Eight

Lee closed the front door behind him softly, the entryway dark and the living room beyond it too. He stood at the bottom of the stairs, knowing he had to talk to Marella but dreading the outcome of the conversation.

“You came home.”

Lee looked up at Marella standing at the head of the stairs in her pajamas. She looked younger with her hair down and the make-up rubbed from her face. One hand had inadvertently gone to her flat stomach and Lee swallowed the rising bile away.

“We should talk.”

“I’m really tired, Lee, and I’m just glad you’re home.”

Lee’s heart broke a little as he took the steps slowly towards her. She reached out her hand and he took it, followed her back into their bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed. Marella sat down next to him and her hand found his cheek.

“I can’t do this, Marella.”

“Do what?”

“It’s me or the baby. I can’t give you both. I … I lo … You’re my whole life, Marella, but a life with me is without children.”

“Why, Lee? I don’t understand.