“Don’t you think we should celebrate, sweetheart? We should do something for your birthday?” Closing her eyes as she put the key into her front door, Alessia took a moment before forcing a smile onto her face and into her voice. “Sure, Mom, just keep it small, okay? I gotta go, I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.” Opening the door, Alessia slipped through the gap, already hearing the patter of her dog’s small paws. Clicking off her phone, she shut the door behind her before crouching down, her smile becoming more genuine as her dog pawed at her leg. “Hi, it’s good to see you too pumpkin.” Placing her bags on the floor as she petted Marley, Alessia picked her up as she stood up, cradling the pup in the crook of her arm. “Where’s your dad, huh? He in his room?” Turning to click the lock on their front door, Ale walked through the apartment to Adam’s work room, knocking on the door once before poking her head through. “Hey..” The last week or so had been tough on them. Where Alessia had finally come clean to her sister about the baggage she had been carrying in, she couldn’t quite bring herself to have that same conversation with her boyfriend. She wanted to, but she was still emotionally spent from her lock in with Indiana and it had taken it’s toll on her. She was quieter than ever but as she got that little bit stronger each day, the worse she felt about it. “Is there room for me and a little one or are you busy?” @adam-boudreaux












