FIFTY EIGHT

Alisha

I opened my eyes to the sound of birds chirping at my window.

This time, instead of the anxiousness I felt at staying in Derek’s home like last time, there was nothing but leave and feeling protected from the ills of the outside.

I closed my eyes again, relishing in the soft sheets and the sunlight streaming into the room through the window.

This was going to be a beautiful day. It was a new start for me, and for Derek. And I felt blessed to have come this far.

Fully awake now, I sat up slowly, suddenly aware of an aroma in the air. I sniffed, turning my head only to meet the eyes of Derek who was seated in an armchair.

“Good morning,” i softly said.

Then I noticed the tray of food beside him. That had to be where the aroma was coming from, i deduced, standing up slowly. The weight of my pregnant belly had changed my center of gravity ever so slightly that getting out of bed was getting difficult.

Regardless the food was calling out to me with its aroma, and I was salivating at