Sentimental Chances (On-Going)

Chapter 41: It Is A Blessing

Today felt heavier than I expected.

I walked out of the station with that familiar wave of sadness washing over me. Goodbyes never get easier, even when I know they're not forever. At least this time, I kept reminding myself, I'll get to see them again. That thought was the only thing keeping me from completely breaking down.

After my little cry, I pulled myself together and went back to the van so I could return to the photo studio and pick up my scooter. It was one of those rides where everything outside the window feels distant, like the world is happening to someone else.

I couldn't bring myself to go back to the inn just yet, so I asked the driver to let me off downtown instead.

The moment I stepped out of the car, the city air wrapped around me—warmer than I expected, thick with the smell of food stalls and exhaust. 

I started walking without any real destination, just letting my feet carry me while I watched people rushing past, chatting on their phones, laughing with friends, or hurrying somewhere I'd never know. For a while, it felt good simply to be another face in the crowd.

After a few blocks, something in a storefront window caught my eye: a tiny pair of shoes, pale yellow with little ribbons, set neatly beside a row of soft, folded blankets. It was a baby clothing store. 

I slowed down, drawn to the gentle colors and the quiet tenderness of the display. Through the glass, I could see racks of miniature outfits and baskets overflowing with plush toys.

Before I even had time to think about why, I reached for the door and stepped inside. That was when I started seeing all these baby clothes for boys and girls, which made me imagine what my child would look like when they wear these.

They were all so cute, I just want to buy them all.

I saw a couple walk into the store. They were choosing little clothes for their child, laughing softly between themselves, and for some reason, just watching them made something ache inside me. Longing, maybe. But hope too.

I was so caught up in the picture they made—so lost in the simple happiness of them—that I didn't immediately realize the couple was Wade and Mira.

Then Wade looked my way and called out, "Hey, Peps."

I blinked and smiled. "Wade, Mira. Hi!" I said as they came closer. "How are you guys? Mira, you look great."

"Thanks, you look great, too," Mira said back. "How have you been?"

"I'm doing well. So are you guys doing some shopping?"

"Yeah, Taffy's growing up so fast, she already needs new clothes. Most of the hand-me-downs my sister gave me don't really look good on her anymore."

Wade tilted his head a little, studying me. "What about you? What brings you here?" He looked genuinely puzzled before adding, "Buying a gift for a baby?"

"Something like that," I said with a cheeky grin.

They exchanged a look, and I only smiled wider. "Huh?" they uttered at the same time.

"Let's just say Taffy's going to have a friend to play with."

Wade stared at me for a full second, then blinked. "Wait," he said, his voice catching between disbelief and excitement. "Are you serious?"

Mira's eyes widened, and her hands flew to her mouth. "Peps..." she whispered, already smiling before she reached for my hands. "Oh, my God. Really?"

I let out a small laugh, suddenly shy under the weight of their attention. "Really."