Seventeen

The sleeping baby in my arms farts loudly, getting a laugh from the other volunteers. The babies mother, Sunya, smiles at it fondly as she continues to prep the elephant bottles. The sun is just starting to peak over the horizon, and the sunrises here are the best I've ever seen. Sunya gives me a knowing look as I head out the door, stopping just outside so that I could see it better.

As the colors swirl together, Sunya comes out to stand with me. "You should be careful," she says teasingly. "Your man is watching." She points over to where James is standing by a truck full of animal feed. "He will want one of his own soon."

I give him a smile and turn back to Sunya, "he already does, but I told him that we have to wait."

She laughs, "life does not wait. It will happen when it is meant to." She takes her baby and gives it a cuddle, "this one was a surprise, but we love her dearly."

"She is beautiful," I tell Sunya. Ever since James had said he wants kids, I'd be lying if I said tha