SHAPES UNSPOKEN

-39-

Happy Reading 🥰

Annabelle Innis

Weeks pass, slowly, steadily.

The bruises on my face fade from deep purple to a soft yellow, eventually disappearing completely, though faint shadows linger beneath my eyes and along my cheekbones. Sean notices them still, even when no one else does, and I think he likes the excuse to hover, to make sure I’m safe.

Today is my first day back at work. My office waits, organized and spotless, everything in its place. I take a deep breath, smoothing my hair and straightening my blouse. Sean walks beside me, holding my hand, careful not to let me strain myself.

“You okay?” he whispers.

I nod. “I’m fine,” though my stomach twists at the thought of being out in the world again.

He squeezes my hand before letting me go, only a moment, just enough to let me breathe.

The day goes smoothly. My assistant, Samantha, keeps me on track, reminding me of meetings, catching things I might miss after being away. Emails, calls, schedules—each task brings a little more normalcy, a little more control back into my life. I feel strong. I feel… me.

By the time I leave the office, my legs ache from standing, my stomach still tender, but the thought of home makes me smile. Sean is waiting by the car, holding the grocery bag he picked up on the way with all the things I’ve been craving lately: ice cream, pickles, and a few little treats he knows I like.

“Look what I got,” he says with a grin as I slide into the passenger seat.

I laugh, taking a bite of a pickle straight from the bag. “You spoil me too much.”

“I don’t spoil you enough,” he teases, eyes lighting up as he reaches over to brush my hair behind my ear.

Steph runs to the car as we pull into the driveway, laughing and waving. “Hi, Aunt Anna! Hi, Dad!”

Sean lifts him into his arms, spinning him around. “How’s my big boy today?”

“I’m not a baby!” Steph protests, laughing, his small fists hitting Sean’s chest playfully.

“You’re right,” Sean says, placing him gently on the ground. “Big boy. And big brother, remember?”

Steph grins. “Two sisters!”

“Yes, two little girls,” I say, rubbing my stomach softly. Steph presses a small hand there. “You’re going to be the best big brother ever.”

At home, Sean carries the groceries inside while I take a quick shower. When I come out, the smell of dinner fills the house. Miss Sarah has made something simple, comforting. We sit down together, Steph already digging into his plate with gusto.

“I can’t believe I’m going to have sisters,” Steph says between bites. “Two of them!”

“You will be the best big brother,” Sean assures him, ruffling his hair.

I feel warmth spread through me watching them. This is my family. This is our life.

After dinner, Steph goes off to bed, and I make sure he’s tucked in, reading his favorite storybook until his eyes close and his breathing slows. I linger in the doorway, watching him sleep, and a small smile forms on my lips.

I hear Sean moving behind me, and I turn just in time to see him kneel, holding out the ice cream and pickles he bought for me.

“Come on,” he says softly. “You’ve had a long day. Let’s enjoy this.”