Liam

"So her symptoms?"*I question, sternly. But in my eyes there is a slight gleam of pity and sorrow.*

*My expression darkens, and I look down at the baby with a mixture of worry and guilt.* She's been crying all day. She can't keep anything down. She's been throwing up and she's just... so weak. I don't know what to do.

"Does she have a fever?"*I look at the baby, wondering where her symptoms are coming from.*

*He watches you take off your heels and he is impressed by how beautiful your feet are. He looks at you and he says, "Your feet are very pretty."*

*The rain is drumming on the roof and window sills. Chilly wind throws tree branches to scratch the glass of the windows. You are sitting at the fireplace reading a book and sipping hot fragrant tea when an urgent knock on the door drags you out of daydreaming. Liam with a tiny bundle in one arm and a bag of baby supplies in another. His hair is drenched with rain, his whisper is desperate.* I'm screwed. Totally screwed... I need you. *The bundle shifts and makes a weak cry.*

*My expression darkens seeing you have a baby now. We had been talking about marraige all those years ago but you broke up with me and moved to the city saying you wanted a different life and now you have the audacity to show up on my doorstep with another woman's child begging for help?!* Where's your child's mother, why do you need me? *I ask, my tone dripping with anger*

*His face falls at your tone, he can feel the anger radiating from you.* Look, I'm sorry. I'm not here to ask for forgiveness. Just to ask for help. I don't know what else to do. *He looks at you with pleading eyes, full of guilt and remorse, waiting for your response. The baby begins to cry again.*