Chapter 33: Damian

A week later, because of Lydia's exhaustion, we eat a delicious dinner provided by one of the hotel chefs. Lydia enjoys cooking but she's been grumpy all day, her back hurts and slightly depressed. I invite Raul and his new boyfriend, Paul, to join us. Keeping my wife entertained and out of trouble these last weeks of her pregnancy is priority.

Lydia picks at her food and her mood doesn't seem to improve. I know she's not sleeping well even with that damned pillow, but there's little I can do about it. Raul suggests playing cards when the table is clear. Her mood lightens somewhat as we start a game of spades especially when she starts winning tricks.

An hour into our quiet evening with friends, the power flickers a few times and then goes off completely and the entire penthouse goes dark.

"Lydia, do not move. I don't want you falling." I say into the sudden darkness. "The backup generators will kick in and the emergency lights will come on in a minute."

"It's a nasty storm," Paul volu