⚠️Warning: mentions of loss and also scenes depicting injuries (small ones) mentioned in this chapter. If affected, please read with caution.⚠️
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《1994》
*Mallory*
It was my day off which meant I could rest at home and study for a little.
Thank goodness for it, too, since my feet were swollen to the size of footballs today.
Ugh, women always gotta go through hell for everything, even for breathing sometimes...
I sat on the couch Jack resting under my feet as I studied for my cognitive exam for my paramedic license.
He doesn't seem to mind me using him as a footrest, and it eases the pain, honestly.
As I'm flipping a page, highlighting some important notes, I suddenly heard noises in the yard.
I looked over to notice Nikki moving a large box into the yard behind the pool.
Hmmm....
Curious, I closed my textbook and got up, Jack looking up curiously.
"I wonder what Daddy's up to," I said to JellyBean.
I make my way to the backyard door, Jack following me as always. I walked out into the yard to see him opening the box.
"Nikki?" I asked, making him turn around as I walked over.
"Hey, are you okay? What'swrong?" he asked worriedly and in a rapid tone.
"I-I'm fine, we both are..... What are you doing?" I asked, motioning to the box. "What is that?"
"Well, I.... I got something for the baby," he smiled, pulling out a picture from his pocket, which I realized was from one of our home catalogs, and handed it to me.
My eyes widened as I looked at the picture he showed me. "A... A playground?"
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(Picture: Example of the Playground)
"Yeah. I figured when JellyBean gets here, he or she can play in it whenever he wants," he shrugged. "I made the order last week and just picked it up."
I couldn't help but smile up at him.
"Oh, but... Nikki, this is for 3 and up... JellyBean won't be able to use it until he or she can at least walk," I said.
"I know, but.... I want it ready for when he gets here and they can...." He said, facing the box, but then looked down. "Well.... If he gets here...."
I frowned, realizing why he was doing this....
Oh....
I walked over and hugged him from behind as best as I could.
