e of my baby's small body on my kitchen counter. My life had turned into

always dreamed of was quite different from life as a single mother. Every day was a struggle-against fa

the loud beeps, nor the soft chime that used to wake me awake. The sickness t

of the sink and whispe

water. Take things one moment at a time, one

-

at the restaurant, and stuffed myself with a piece of toast. Although my doctor had previously reprima

arrived at work. Coffee pots hissed, plates

y colleague, as she balanced a

ver my waist and

g the few individuals who were aware of m

odded. "Simply taking

. "You underestimate your

head. The faces of the customers that came and departed blended together in a

-

conclusion of my shift. The slight smell of oil permeated the air a

acy

was standing at the door

someone out front

to my stom

mitted his name. I expr

p. The possibilities rushed through my thoughts.

-

ing. He was tall, rugged-looking, and had piercing b

he said in a ste

d warily. "W

d pulled out a small card, sl

Monroe." "I need to discus

"What ab

," Monroe rem

raining to grasp his

onded softly. "Months have p

, considering your past interactions with him, we believe

e I broke things off, we haven

ond before pushing a piece

think of anyth

o my pocket. Monroe's last remarks as h

the truth, Ms. Miller

-

e table. As I attempted to make sense of the situation, my hands shook.

of my reverie by a

eart pounding. I looked through the peephole a

I opened the

ent as he asked,

He ran a hand through his hair

said, "We ne

abo

he's not simply absent. He is in a lot of difficulty.