Chapter 3: Growing Pains

Chapter 3: Growing Pains

October 15th, 1944

Dear Alistor,

I’m sitting here on the porch, wrapped in one of Mom’s old quilts, watching the sun set over the hills. It’s one of those quiet moments that makes me miss you more than usual. The sky is turning all sorts of colors—pink, orange, a little purple. You always loved sunsets. I wish you were here to see this one with me.

Things are changing so much, Alistor. My belly has really started to grow, and it feels like our little Atlas is having a party in there most days. The kicks are getting stronger, and sometimes they’re so sharp they make me wince. I find myself holding my belly a lot, just feeling his movements and wishing you could feel them, too. I imagine you here with your hand on my stomach, feeling him kick for the first time. I think about how your face would light up, your eyes wide with excitement. It’s those little moments I dream about most.

I’ve moved back in with Mom for now. I thought it would be best with everything going on and the baby coming soon. She’s been a big help, but I still feel a bit out of place here, like I’m a little girl again. I miss our home and the life we were building together. I miss our quiet evenings and the way you would wrap your arms around me just before falling asleep. Mom’s house is cozy, and she’s been so supportive, but it’s just not the same. I’ve been feeling more and more like I’m in this strange in-between place, somewhere between who I was and who I’m becoming.

Mom tries to keep my spirits up, cooking all my favorite meals and telling me stories about when she was pregnant with me. She’s even started knitting little socks and hats for Atlas. But there’s a heaviness in my heart that I can’t shake. I find myself lying awake at night, one hand on my belly, the other reaching out to the empty space beside me where you should be. I just wish I could hear your voice, even for a moment.

I had a scare the other day. I woke up with a sharp pain in my side, and for a moment, I panicked. But the doctor said everything is fine, just normal growing pains. Still, it made me realize how much I rely on you, even when you’re so far away. I wished so badly that you were there to hold my hand and tell me everything was going to be okay. I know I have to be strong, for Atlas and for you, but some days it’s just so hard.

Despite the pain and the worry, there are moments of pure joy, too. Like when I feel Atlas move, or when Mom and I talk about what he might look like. I hope he has your eyes and your smile. I hope he grows up to be as kind and brave as you are. I keep telling myself that soon enough, this will all be over, and you’ll be home with us. We’ll be a family, just like we always dreamed.

I know you’re doing everything you can to stay safe, and I’m trying to be strong for both of us. But I miss you so much, Alistor. I miss your laugh, your touch, the way you could make me feel like everything would be okay no matter what. I keep holding onto the hope that you’ll be back before Atlas is born, that you’ll get to hold him and see the life we created together.

I’m counting down the days until we’re together again, but some days feel like a lifetime. I just need you to know that I love you more than words can say. I’m doing my best to keep our little one safe and healthy until you come home.

Please, my love, take care of yourself. I need you. We both do.

All my love,

Brianne Adonis

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***