-Adam-

I have been completely unproductive for the last several weeks. As I sit in front of my laptop, my thoughts drift to Shelley. I notice the flickering cursor on my laptop screen. Despite my best efforts, I am unable to maintain my concentration on the work at hand. Simply calling her to inquire about her day is all I want.

I finally give up on getting anything done and reach for my phone to contact her, only to have my plan interrupted by an incoming call.

"What the heck have you been doing for the past four weeks?" The person on the other end of the phone asks. "I tried to reach you, but unfortunately, I couldn't get through."

"I was working on something with which you are already familiar, Blackson. What seems to be the problem?" I inquire.

"Are you back at your place yet?"

"Yes".

"That's great news because I plan to visit."

"Alright, see you here."

Shortly thereafter, a weary Blackson arrives at my apartment, makes his way over to where I am seated, and takes a seat directly opposite me.

"Rough day?" I asked, looking up from the files I was holding to Blackson.

"You have no idea," says Blackson. "You want to talk about it?" Moving to the side table, Blackson poured himself some whiskey. "Well, things are not going so well with Mrs... Apparently, she wants more of me." He says as he takes a sip of his whiskey.

"Which is?" I enquired.

"You know, my time, my undivided attention, quality time with the kids, and so on. She said I work too much."

"So? Then, give it to her," I remarked. "It's not that simple," he retorted.

"Really! Explain it to me then."

As he takes a sip, he confidently declares, "I am a doctor. It is my responsibility to intervene and aid the recovery of the sick. I cannot afford to be idle, as my role is crucial in ensuring the well-being of others."

"Let me stop you there," I said. "Do you recognize that your wife and children are human beings? Even though they may not show physical signs of illness, they are struggling emotionally. They need your attention and love, just like your patients. If you keep ignoring them, you could end up losing your marriage and family."

"I really can't stress enough how strongly I feel that I don't want to be a witness to that."

"I am not ignoring them." He barks standing up from the sofa.

I placed the file on the sofa beside me and leaned forward as I spoke, trying to be firm. "May I ask when was the last time you took a vacation from work? Even better, a leave of absence. There are multiple physicians at the medical centre, and you are an integral part of the team. The patients will still be cared for even if you take a leave of absence. Why not use your annual leave to take your family on vacation? Other doctors can step in if needed. Overall, your family will benefit."

"You don't understand. I don't know how to relax," he stated.

"'Then learn.' Your marriage depends on it. Besides, Margaret is an amazing woman. It will be a shame if you are to lose her."

Feeling dejected, he sinks into the sofa and lets out a heavy sigh. "Alright, I'll give your method a shot. My relationship with my wife means everything to me, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep it strong."

"Speaking of relationships, How are things between you and Shelley?"

"It's good."

"Just good?!"

"Yap."

"I see. That might explain her cheerful demeanor in the workplace," he said.

"Really?!" I ask, making Blackson burst into laughter at my sudden response.

"You really are in love with this girl, aren't you?" With my cheeks burning with embarrassment, I bluntly request that if there is no significant information regarding the person in question, Blackson should refrain from speaking.

Resignedly raising his hands in surrender, he apologises and proceeds towards the guest room. "By the way...," he directs a comment towards me, stating, "I genuinely meant what I said about her appearing cheerful lately. Whatever you are doing to make her happy, keep at it."

-Shelley POV-

As I drop on my sofa, ready to devour my takeout, a call comes in.

"Hello, beautiful. How was your day?"

"Good. Just tired. How about yours?"

"I was unproductive today. I couldn't get anything done, all thanks to a certain someone who has been on my mind the whole day."

"Ouch, that must be frustrating," I said with a sarcastic smile.

"You have no idea," Ben says. "Anyway, do you have anything planned for this Saturday?"

"I am afraid I do. This Saturday, I received an invitation to lunch."

"You received an invitation to lunch?! Tell me, are there any rivals I should worry about?" Giggling, I reply, "Of course not. It's just lunch with a friend."

"Well, that's a shame. I was hoping to hang out with you, but that's okay. It can be rescheduled for another day."

"What are you doing now?" He asks. "I was about to eat."

"I guess I will leave you to it then. Have a nice day."

***

It's a scorching Saturday afternoon, and I'm meticulously perfecting my appearance as I get ready for an intriguing lunch date with a mysterious friend.

Seated at a table in the Papillon Restaurant, Miriam fiddles with her drink, lost in deep thought. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she did not notice me as I made my way to her. It was only when I called her by name that she looked up at me.

"'Shelley.' You are here. I am so sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment there. Please have a seat."

"Thank you." Miriam summons the waiter as I settle onto the chair across from her. We both placed our orders when the server came and as we waited, we caught up on each other's day-to-day lives.

As our meal was brought to the table, I couldn't help but notice Miriam's concerned expression. "What seems to be the problem? You appear distressed. Do you not like the food?"

She let out a sigh. "It has nothing to do with the food. I believe it has come to your attention that my dad has offered me to join him in business."

"Yes," I said as I picked up my cutlery to dig into the food in front of me. "I heard something about that."

"I also found out that my dad has stage 4 renal disease and is dying. He refuses to fight the disease and has accepted his impending death. Therefore, he desires me to serve him, making certain that I inherit everything before his demise."

"To make up for his long absence, he says he is sorry and wants to get to know me."

"Why do I have a feeling there is a but coming?" I asked.

"That's because there are. He can't make up for lost time. When I was young, I yearned for a father's love, yet it remained elusive. My Aunt Mary gave me both a mother's and a father's love, which I was content with. Why now. Do you think I should forgive him?"

As I take a long sip of my drink, I reflect on my strained relationship with my dad. "I wish I could offer advice, but given my own experiences, I think it's best for me to stay quiet. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make."

"I know, but I just want your opinion on the matter."

"Well, I believe it must have been hard for you not to have your father around when you were young, but he is here now. Despite his shortcomings, he wants to build a relationship with you. Many people have never experienced a situation like that - having their father acknowledge his mistakes and even make the effort to be there is a unique experience."

"I am not saying you should forgive him, but accept his effort. Let him be part of your life now. If you don't, and he dies, you may regret it. I mean, as you said, there isn't much he can make up for now, but at least you can enjoy each other's company. You never know; maybe this will encourage him to fight this illness. Studies have shown that the love shown by our close family can go a long way in encouraging others with illnesses to have hope in life."

"Right, you are. Surprisingly, I had never considered this before."She nods in approval. "For his sake, I shall endeavour to mend our relationship. And you know what? It might work out well for us. Especially now."

Taken aback I ask, "What do you mean, especially now?"

"Well, I think I am pregnant."

"'You think?' You are aware of the existence of a pregnancy test kit, correct?"

"Yes, I know, but it is hard to do so with Matthew constantly at home. If I am right, I want to surprise him."

"Doesn't he go to work?" I ask. "He works from home. He is a computer programmer."

I leaned in close, seemingly to shield our chat from prying ears, I added. "As I stepped inside, I could not help but notice the pharmacy immediately next to it. In the ladies' room, we can make excellent use of the pregnancy test kit, which is easily accessible at any drugstore. How about you take a stand?"

"Won't that be a bother?" Miriam inquires.

"Absolutely not," I assure her.

_

A/N: So, guys, what do you think? "Is Miriam pregnant?"