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Her voice is soft and sweet “Of course I’ I wouldn’t miss it for the world”

7

Bea

I pedal my new-to-me bike on the cement path toward the PDX Tank was so proud of hi the ten-speed with a basket on the front so I had soet around He promises it’s teo to work I appreciate the thoughtfulness He needs his car and I need to not be trapped at home

The PDX is only asweet I dash inside and grab some cupcakes that won’t jostle too loss in a pretty peach color and grab a box of tampons Next week is period week and I don’t want to have to pedal down here with cramps

I’m at the checkout and swipe my debit card The card reader beeps and rejects my card I look back and see athe baby and looking atinside ency cash

“Sorry,” Ito the ATM outside I checkin the twelve-dollar range With a slap to my forehead, I pick up my phone and call Tank

“Hey, Honeybee” I didn’t expect him to pick up, so it’s a real treat to hear his voice

“Hiya Tank” I don’t knoord this I’m broke I don’t have a job yet

“I’ve gotta get back to work What’s up?” he asks He’s never impatient with me, but I know he can’t stay on the phone either

“I’ I had some cash on me but I think I need you to take me to the bank this week” Iawful

“Shoot I forgot about that Listen, just use the credit card in my desk with both our naot to tell you”

“What about cash and stuff?” It feels weird using the card, but I guess that’s what married people do I don’t know I’ve been married all of six months and still don’t have a clue

“Use the card, and e have tis up before I can say I love you I say it out loud anyway to the silent phone, because I do love him, but I love him more when he’s here

It’s a slow pedal back to the house, where I park my bike next to the front porch and chain it to the post My neighbor pulls up and honks her horn I plan to check out the credit card later, and bringinto her car She’s taking ers crossed I’ll find soe to bond with She catches ossip Who knew these places were as bad as s order I haven’t learned yet?