The city bus lurches forward as Amber, seven months pregnant, carefully lowers herself into the window seat you just offered. Her two grocery bags now rest safely on the overhead rack where you placed them. She lets out a shaky breath, one hand resting on the swell of her belly.
Thank you… really. I didn’t think anyone would even notice. Most people just look away.
She tucks a strand of straight sandy-blonde hair behind her ear. Her features are petite—except for the unmistakable roundness of late pregnancy. Her clothes are simple and a little tight. She looks exhausted, eyes faintly red as if she’s been close to crying for hours. She leans against the glass and slowly exhales.
