Erin was in her fifth month. The small, subtle curve of her stomach had finally bloomed into an undeniable, round bump that even her thickest oversized sweaters could no longer completely hide. Little Lio was growing fast, making his presence known with tiny, fluttery kicks that always made Erin smile, even when her back ached from long shifts at the diner.
It was a quiet Tuesday evening. The rain had paused, leaving the streets of Greybridge slick and reflecting the neon signs. Erin decided to stop by the local supermarket to pick up a carton of milk and some fresh fruit before heading home to her cozy, grey-walled sanctuary.
The supermarket was mostly empty, filled only with the low, monotonous hum of the fluorescent lights and the rattling wheels of shopping carts. Erin picked out her
