After work

The Unspoken Promise of Home

The clock on the wall struck four. Jessica closed her laptop, took off her headphones, and put her shoes back on. She lifted Jason from under the desk, took him into her arms, and walked towards the elevator. The colleagues' gazes were still heavy, but Jessica didn't even blink; she just smiled and left.

In the parking lot, she opened the car door, sat Jason on her lap, and buckled him up. She started the engine, one hand on the steering wheel, the other wrapped around Jason's waist. Jason rested his head on her chest, his breathing calm. Throughout the drive, Jessica occasionally stroked his hair and sometimes kissed his forehead.

First stop: The Shopping Mall.

Jessica carried Jason in her arms and entered.

Jewelry stores; windows filled with rings and necklaces. Jessica paused for a moment, looked at a silver necklace, smiled, but bought nothing.

Women's clothing boutiques; long coats, evening gowns, expensive perfumes. Jessica walked a few steps, touched a black blouse, but only looked.

Jason, all the while, had buried his head in Jessica's neck. Shyness had returned like a sudden wave; from the looks of the sales assistants, from the sound of heels, from everyone seeing him, in a woman's arms, like a child. But Jessica just hugged him tighter.

Last stop: Walmart.

Jessica picked up a basket, still holding Jason in her arms.

* A few packs of biscuits

* A soft blanket

* fruit

* vegetable

*milk

Jason hid his face deeper, but Jessica whispered:

"Don't worry, little one. These are for you. For our home."

In the checkout line, Jason buried his face completely in Jessica's neck. His breaths were hot, yet calm.

Jessica placed the basket down with one hand, and rubbed Jason's back with the other.

"Almost done. Now we're going home."

She started the car, Jason still on her lap.

Bags were in the backseat.

Jessica placed her hand on Jason's hair.

"Tonight, it's just you and me."

And Jason, with his face hidden in Jessica's neck,

for the first time that day,

smiled.