In Her Own Footsteps

II

As Aanya ascended to her ninth-floor apartment, the familiar sound of Indigo's meows echoed down the hallway. She retrieved her keys from her pocket and unlocked the door. As soon as it opened, Indigo pushed her head forward, eager to explore the hallway. Aanya scooped her up, knowing she couldn't let Indigo wander freely, in case the dog from down the hall appeared. Once the door closed behind them, Aanya gently placed Indigo on the floor and turned left towards the double-door closet by the entrance. She stowed away her shoes and slipped into her cozy slippers.

Passing by her desk, Aanya hung her keys and set down her wallet, phone, and the grocery bag she had brought with her. Moving towards the bedroom, she noticed that Connor appeared to still be asleep. Sunlight from the window was hitting his face, causing his ginger hair and beard to look even redder. His snores had ceased, and his eyes were barely open. It was hard to tell if he was truly awake.

"You're awake!" Aanya exclaimed, surprised. "I went to the corner store to grab something to eat."

In a groggy voice, Connor replied, "Did you get me something?" Aanya was well aware of his desire — a diet Pepsi. She often reminded him to cut back on those fizzy drinks, as he consumed them daily.

"I got some chips, ramyun, eggs, and cat food. Want me to make you a ramyun?" Aanya offered.

Connor inquired, "Is it the red one?"

"Yes, the Shin Ramyun," Aanya confirmed. "But if it's too spicy for you, I can make you an egg sandwich instead."

Agreeing, Connor responded, "I'm good. The ramyun is too spicy, but I'd love an egg sandwich. Thank you!"

Aanya smiled and replied, "You're welcome! But get out of bed now. I'll make it right away, and it's almost 12:30 PM."

"I will," Connor assured her, turning onto his side to grab his phone, clearly still needing a few more moments of rest.

Aanya proceeded to tidy up, putting away her jeans and tops. She turned on the Keurig and began preparing lunches for both of them. The aroma of coffee brewing slowly filled the air. Aanya boiled eggs on one burner while she fried an egg in a small pan for Connor's sandwich. The sound of water gushing from a pot accompanied the sizzling of the frying pan. The aroma of coffee grew stronger as the Keurig buzzed and the coffee dripped into the cup.

"Connor, do you want cheese in your sandwich?" She shouted from the kitchen.

"Yes, can I have a slice of American Cheese, please?"

"Okay," replied Aanya. "It's going to be ready in a few minutes, so please come get it."

Aanya put two slices of bread in the toaster and set the timer for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, she grabbed the American cheese and placed the slice on top of Connor's fried egg. She covered the pan and allowed the heat to slightly melt the cheese just like Connor liked it. The toaster popped, announcing that the bread was ready. Aanya placed a slice on a plate, followed by the cheesy egg. She sprinkled some salt and pepper on top before covering it with the second slice of bread.

"Your sandwich is ready," she called out. Meanwhile, she removed the boiled eggs from the pot and emptied the water, refilling it to boil once again. She heard the sheets ruffle as Connor got out of bed.

"Thank you for making me my sandwich," Connor expressed, his innocent smile warming the room. "Can I get a kisser?"

Returning his gratitude, Aanya planted a quick kiss on his lips before mentioning, "You should trim your mustache later. It's longer now."

"I will when I go shower." Connor assured her.

Though she felt a sense of warmth from the familiarity of caring for a loved one, she also felt confused by the domesticity that she adopted in their household. Aanya was glad that she brought comfort to Connor but often wished for a different dynamic. Her heart yearned for a different kind of connection. The societal expectations and familial obligations tied to her role as a female partner in a marital relationship left her yearning for a deeper sense of fulfillment. Nonetheless, the idea of having a steadfast companion to navigate life's hurdles brought her a profound sense of relief.