Jar of Stars

I walked into my new home and took in the smell of new furniture, warmth and comfort. Luke had finally agreed to move out of our shabby old apartment into this fine looking country home. I put down my stuff and walked around the lounge feeling the hard wood floors on my bare feet.

I picked up the photo of my parents that I adored so much. It resembled nothing but love. We went down to the beach that hot summer day. They stood by the water with their fingers intertwined, staring at one another with the widest of grins on their faces. I couldn't help but snap a picture capturing that moment forever. I gifted it to them few days later, only to take it back for myself the day after. I smiled at that memory and of longing to have the love they had for each other.

I put the picture back down and picked up the one beside it. The one Luke and I replicated on our wedding day. Our feet sinking into the fine sand. The strong, cool sea breeze sending my locks all over. Luke pulling me closer into his warm body. I blushed at that memory. I finally had the love that I once longed for.

I placed a hand on my stomach and smiled to myself. I hadn't told him that I was going into the clinic today to confirm my pregnancy. I wanted to surprise him when he got home. I walked to the couch and took a seat before pulling my phone out to call Luke.

"Hey, baby girl!" He answered on the first ring.

"Hey!" I couldn't stop smiling at hearing his voice. I forced myself to keep the news a secret. He deserved to hear it in person. "Are you finishing work early today?" Luke had been working so hard the past few days and getting home really late. I hoped he would make an exception tonight.

"Well, not any earlier than usual. I'll try to leave early today though. Everything okay?"

"Yes, everything's great." I smiled again. "I'll see you soon then?"

He let out a small laugh at the eagerness in my voice. "I'll see you soon. I love you."

"I love you too." I ended the call before I burst the news of my pregnancy. I wanted to see the happiness on his face. HIs reaction to my words. The gradual smile that will build up with every second. I felt myself flush at the thought of it.

I looked at the clock. It was half past four. I reached for the remote and turned on the TV to drown the silence around. The time was rushing by as I watched whatever soap opera was scheduled for a Tuesday. It pained my mind to watch these sometimes, but they just seemed to have a way to attract the attention of viewers. It was like a drug.

I laid on the couch with my head on the arm. My eyes were getting heavier. I'll shut them for a short while. I'll just wake up to the sound of Luke opening the door.

That's exactly what didn't happen.

The door never opened. Vrrr. It was really dark. The only light in the room was the light emanating from the TV. Vrrr. I looked at the clock with my eyes half opened. It was a quarter to nine. I couldn't have slept for that long. I told myself in shock. Vrrr. That was my phone. I reached for it and answered.

"Hello." I whispered in a slightly groggy voice.

"Mrs. Evans?"

"Yes, this is she." I cleared my throat trying to get rid of the dryness I felt in my throat.

"This is Officer Campbell." Why am I getting such a call? I wondered anxiously. My heart sped just hearing those words. "Your husband's been in an accident." I did not want to hear the rest. Everything that followed just flew right past my mind. "Mrs. Evans?"

"Luke?" Even though in shock it was only his name I could say. I stood up in panic and as if on instinct started looking for my bag in the dark.

"Mrs. Evans, we need you at the hospital." I nodded as if he could see me. My thoughts were all over the place. How did this happen?