The Baby Who Kicked During the Storm
Chapter 09 - The Baby Who Kicked During the Storm
Emma's pregnancy advanced while the investigations continued. She moved to a safer apartment with a working elevator and neighbors she trusted. Adrian offered several kinds of assistance, but she insisted on keeping her job with a small community arts center once her doctor cleared her for the work.
"I like earning my own living," she told him. "It helps me remember I'm not a character in somebody else's tragedy."
He smiled. "Fair."
One night a storm knocked out power across her block. Adrian was nearby after a meeting with his attorney and offered to bring flashlights and food. Emma agreed only after checking that he understood it wasn't an invitation to take charge.
They sat at her kitchen table while rain ran down the windows. She had assembled the baby's crib herself, with help from a neighbor. On the wall hung a photograph of Rose wearing an enormous sunhat.
"She would have loved this," Adrian said.
Emma rested a hand on her belly. "The baby's moving."
She hesitated, then asked if he wanted to feel. Adrian looked at her for permission before placing two fingers against the side of her stomach. A small kick answered.
He stared in wonder. "That's extraordinary."
"She's been doing it all week. Usually when I try to sleep."
They laughed. Then Emma grew serious.
"You can't protect everyone, Adrian. Not Rose, not Lily, not me. But you can believe people when they tell you something is wrong."
He remembered the staircase and his first instinct to accuse her.
May you like
"I'm trying to learn."
"Then keep learning."
