For Our 10th Anniversary, My Husband Gave Me a Green Dress and My Sister a Baby novel · Chapter 7 of 24

Chapter 7: The Nursery

My mother did not move from the doorway.

"Say what you came to say, Dolores, and then go."

Dolores shifted the gift basket to her other arm.

"My daughter is staying in that house until the baby comes, and so am I. Lena may as well collect her things on Monday, while Travis is at practice. It will be easier for everyone."

"Easier for you."

"For everyone, Joan."

My mother closed the door in her face.

She turned the deadbolt, then the chain. Then she stood there with one hand flat on the wood.

"Mom. What did she mean? Fought for who?"

"Not today."

"She said you never fought for Dad."

"I heard what she said." Joan took off her glasses and cleaned them on her cardigan. "I will tell you when it's time, and it isn't. Eat your eggs."

That was all I got.

On Monday morning I let myself into the house in Elmwood Village with the key I had carried for nine years.

The brick house was quiet. Travis's skates were gone from the hall rack, and his practice bag was gone from its hook.

The house smelled of someone else's perfume.

I went upstairs for my winter coat.

The door of the guest room stood open.

I had painted that room myself, two summers ago, a pale yellow, with a ladder and a radio and my fingers crossed. I had never told anyone why I picked the color.

A white crib stood against the wall.

A mobile of paper moons hung over it. A changing table was stacked with folded blankets. Shelby's slippers sat by the bed.

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