Autumn’s First Day
The park smelled of crisp leaves and roasted corn from a nearby vendor. Golden light filtered through the first russet leaves of autumn, and Diego Morales eased himself onto a wooden bench, one hand resting on his round, heavy belly. He exhaled with a chuckle, watching his husband and daughter chase each other across the grass.
“Careful, Sofia,” Diego called out, his voice playful but tinged with fatherly concern. “Don’t trip over those little feet of yours!”
“I’m faster than Papa!” Sofia shouted back with glee, her braids bouncing as she darted toward a pile of leaves.
Arjun caught her mid-run, lifting her up with ease before twirling her around. “Not faster than me, though,” he teased, drawing a giggle from his daughter.
Diego leaned back, smiling as a cool breeze rustled his shirt against his swollen belly. He rubbed it gently, whispering, “You hear that, bebé? That’s your big sister raising chaos already.”
Soon, Arjun and Sofia trotted back to the bench. Arjun sat beside Diego, slipping an arm around his shoulders. “How’s my love?” he asked softly, brushing a loose strand of Diego’s hair back.
Diego smirked. “Heavy. Hungry. And wondering if you’re buying me that roasted corn before we go home.”
Arjun laughed, leaning in to kiss him on the temple. “Anything for you. And for this little one.” He placed a warm palm on Diego’s belly, smiling when Sofia did the same.
“Papa,” Sofia whispered with wide eyes, “do you think the baby can hear the leaves crunching too?”
Diego’s heart swelled. “Sí, mija. And when they get here, they’ll crunch the leaves right beside you.”
The Morales-Patel family sat together beneath the glowing autumn trees, hand in hand, the season’s first day marking not just a change in weather but the promise of new beginnings.
