AFTER Esther’s maternity check-up, she and Mira decided to eat outside. The restaurant they chose was softly lit. The faint murmur of other customers blends with the clinking of cutlery.
Hindi mapigilan ni Esther ang kaniyang paningin na tumingin sa mga tao sa kaniyang paligid. Then her hand rested protectively on her belly.
Her belly was already six months now—her stomach was round and firm beneath her dress.
Across from her, Mira stirred her iced coffee with a straw. Napapailing na lamang siya habang nakikita ang pagkunot ng nuo ni Esther.
“You’re worried,” Mira said.
Nag-angat naman ng mukha si Esther. Napabuntong hininga siya. And then she pushed her plate a little away. “Hindi mo naman ako masisisi, Mira. Every day feels heavier… not just because of the baby, but because ever
