Chapter 2
I got back from the supermarket at six.
I noticed the shoes by the door were gone.
The glass had been washed and left upside down on the drying rack.
I found a new box of strawberries in the fridge.
The packaging looked fancy.
I didn't buy them.
I didn't touch them.
I got started on dinner.
I put the ribs into the pot, quickly blanched the shrimp, and set the chicken wings to marinate.
Then, I left the fish to be cooked at last.
Daniel came downstairs while I was slicing the ginger.
He stood in the doorway.
"You're back," he said.
"Yeah." I nodded.
"Why didn't you give me a heads-up?" he asked.
"I sent you a message," I replied.
He paused.
"I was napping, so I didn't see your message," he said.
"Yeah, I know," I replied.
He stepped closer, coming up behind me.
His breath was warm against my ear.
His hair still carried the fresh scent of shampoo, damp from his shower.
He must have showered.
His arm slipped around my waist, holding me lightly.
"Did you miss me?" he asked.
"Yeah," I replied.
I arranged the ginger slices on the plate.
He lowered his head, his chin brushing against my shoulder.
The warmth was something I knew well.
It was so familiar that it almost felt out of place.
He paused for two seconds and then let go.
"Are my parents coming over tomorrow?" Daniel asked.
"Yeah." I nodded.
"Why the sudden invite?" he asked.
"Your mom said it's been a while since we all got together," I said.
"Is Edwin coming, too?" Daniel asked.
"Yes, I invited him," I said.
He opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of sparkling water.
"Why'd you invite him?" Daniel asked.
"More people, more fun," I said.
Daniel stayed quiet.
He unscrewed the bottle and took a sip.
"How about we eat out tomorrow? You just got back from your trip. Don't stress yourself," Daniel said.
"I've got everything we need," I replied.
"Cooking at home is such a pain," Daniel said.
"It's no big deal," I replied.
Daniel watched me quietly.
I focused on plating the food, keeping my gaze down.
"Daniel," I called out.
"Yeah?" he replied.
"Did you sleep all afternoon?" I asked.
He paused, his hand still on the bottle.
"Yeah, why?" he asked.
"Nothing," I said.
I put the fish in the pan.
"Anne will be back soon. Can you keep her company and help her practice her writing for a bit?" I asked.
He agreed without hesitation, "Sure."
Anne came home at seven.
She ran straight into my arms, shouting "Mom."
I ruffled her hair.
"Did you eat yet?" I asked.
"I had a sandwich at Daisy's," she replied.
"Go play with your dad for a bit," I said.
Anne dashed upstairs.
Daniel followed her up.
His voice drifted down from upstairs. "Anne, slow down."
If I hadn't come back early and seen those shoes, or if that door hadn't been left ajar, he would still be the same gentle dad.
At dinner, Daniel helped himself to a piece of fish.
"The fish is good," he said.
"Really?" I asked.
"It's even more tender than last time," he replied.
Anne wasn't a fan of fish, so after a few bites of pasta, she went off to play with her building blocks.
Daniel glanced over and asked, "So, how'd things go with your client?"
"Closed the deal," I replied.
"Bet that was exhausting," he said.
"I'm okay," I told him.
He looked at ease.
It was as if he hadn't been with another woman in our bed this afternoon.
After dinner, he volunteered to do the dishes.
"It's okay. Let me handle it," I said.
He stayed by the sink, not budging.
"Is something up with you today?" he asked.
"Nothing," I replied.
"You seem quieter than usual," he said.
"I'm tired," I said.
He gave me a small smile. "Go to bed early."
I lay down at 10:30 at night.
Daniel came into the room at 11.
He turned off the lights and was out like a light in no time.
His breathing was steady.
I lay awake until two in the morning.
There were no tears, no drama.
Only three images kept replaying in my mind.
They were the silver-gray high heels, the mauve lipstick stain, and the dangling pearl earring left on the nightstand.
I got up at six the next morning.
Daniel was still asleep.
I headed downstairs, put the soup on the stove, got the food ready, and warmed up some milk.
My mom showed up at 7:20.
She was carrying a bag of oranges.
"You look like you've lost weight," she said.
"I've been busy with business trips," I replied.
She watched me for a bit.
"Are you hiding something from me?" she asked.
I handed her a cup.
"Mom, let's talk when everyone's here," I said.
She let it go right away.
At 8:30, I went to pick up Daniel's parents, Austin and Cecilia.
As soon as Cecilia got in the car, she said, "Miranda, you don't look so good."
"I didn't sleep well," I replied.
Austin asked, "Where's Daniel?"
"He's still asleep," I replied.
Cecilia chuckled, "Stayed up late again, huh?"
I kept quiet.
Daniel's sister, Lind Conner, was sitting in the back seat.
She kept her head down, glued to her phone.
As we were about to pull into the neighborhood, Linda suddenly asked, "Is Daniel busy these days?"
"Ask him yourself," I replied.
She looked up. "I'm asking you."
I kept my eyes on the road. "I'm not sure."
The car went quiet.
Edwin showed up at 9:15.
He glanced at me as he walked in. "Hey, Miranda, is everyone here?"
"Yeah, everyone's here," I replied. "I'll go get Daniel."
I headed upstairs.
Daniel was still asleep.
The blanket was pulled up to his chest.
I stood by the bed.
"Daniel, time to get up," I said.
He frowned.
"What time is it?" he mumbled.
"It's 9:30," I replied.
"So early?" he muttered.
"Your parents are here," I said.
He rolled over and sat up.
His hair was a mess, and the collar of his old pajamas was askew, slipping off one shoulder.