Brian Leung
She ate the cookies.
He knew she ate the cookies but was afraid to confront her.
Her mother was visiting in three days and the apartment was a mess.
They cleaned because it was the one pop-up obsession they were always into.
She walked out of the bathroom and told him she was pregnant.
He said "Fuck."
She took out the recycling.
He called Dave.
Dave was no help.
She called Dorian.
Dorian used the word "options" too many times.
When she came back to the apartment he asked her why she ate the cookies.
"That's what's on your fucking mind?" She was beside herself.
He was beside himself, but he smiled. "I never want our child to go without cookies."
She touched her lean belly.
The word "hostage" came to mind but instead he offered "What do you want to do?"
She told him exactly. "I want to get married."
He fuzzled and pulled at his hair.
"To the baby's father," she said. "I'm sorry."
He was relieved, then deeply sad.
It was a difficult pregnancy.