Origins of Us

15

Eiry stepped out of the doctor's office, the door clicking shut behind her with a hollow finality.

"Are you okay?" Laila's voice was soft as she reached over, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind Eiry's ear. Her touch was tender, filled with concern. Eiry nodded, though her smile was faint. "Eiry..." Laila's tone held a gentle warning as she turned to face her fully, eyes searching her face. "...you need to be extra careful now."

"I know," Eiry replied, her voice steady, though the nervous energy lingered beneath her calm exterior. She offered a small, reassuring smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Don't worry, Laila."

"I have to," Laila said softly, leaning in to press a kiss to Eiry's forehead. The gesture was filled with love, the kind of quiet protectiveness that only Laila could offer. "You're dating..."

"We're responsible," Eiry cut in gently, her smile growing a little more certain. "We'll be fine. I heard everything the doctor said carefully..." She added the last word with a knowing look, emphasizing her attentiveness.

Laila's lips curved into a soft smile, though the concern in her eyes didn't entirely fade. "Okay," she nodded, reluctantly accepting Eiry's assurance. "Are you going to meet Eddie now?"

"Yes." Eiry's face brightened, the mere thought of him lifting her spirits. "I thought I'd be there sooner. He must be worried by now."

"Then, go." Laila pulled her into a warm embrace, holding on for a moment longer than usual, as if transferring all her care and support into the hug. When she finally pulled away, she brushed a hand down Eiry's arm in one final gesture of affection. "See you later."

"I'll be home for dinner," Eiry promised.

The midday sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the pavement as she made her way toward her truck. The air was warm, the kind that felt thick against the skin, and the faint hum of traffic echoed in the distance. She fumbled with her keys, a restless energy buzzing in her chest, her fingers trembling slightly as she unlocked the door. Sliding into the driver's seat, she sat for a moment, the weight of the afternoon pressing in around her. The previous night replayed in her mind-Eddie sitting at her father's table, his nervous smile, the way his eyes had searched for hers for support. Her father's scrutiny, Laila's warmth, the way they had held hands under the table as if grounding each other. It all felt like a dream, a fragile moment that had left her both exhilarated and anxious. Her thoughts swirled as she started the engine, the familiar rumble of the truck doing little to quiet the uncertainty building inside her. She pulled out onto the road, heading toward Eddie's apartment. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in her stomach. It was silly, she told herself, to feel this anxious. But the memory of Eddie's vulnerability last night, the way he had opened up about his insecurities, lingered. She needed to see him, to reassure him, to remind him of everything they were building together. As she weaved through the familiar streets, the scent of the ocean drifted through the open window, mingling with the warm scent of pavement and city air. Cars honked, cyclists passed by, and pedestrians wandered in and out of small shops, the ebb and flow of city life moving in tandem with her thoughts. Finally, she turned down Eddie's street. His building came into view-simple, unassuming, tucked between two others that were nearly identical. Her pulse quickened as she spotted the familiar facade. She pulled into the parking lot, her fingers gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly as she found a spot near the entrance. She turned off the engine, the sudden silence making her aware of her own heartbeat. Eiry stepped out of her truck, the late afternoon sun casting a golden hue over the parking lot. She took a moment to steady her breath, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling within her. The building loomed ahead, its familiar structure offering a sense of comfort as she walked to the entrance. She reached the door and pressed the buzzer, her heart racing in anticipation.