Lila stands at the school doors, her hand on her belly. The big brass numbers gleam in the morning sun. She closes her eyes and breathes in.
Lila walks down the hallway. Shoes tap on the tile. A boy turns and stares at her bump. His juice box tips.
Splat — right on her sneaker.
Lila bends down slowly. Her fingers touch the sticky puddle. The boy's ears turn pink. "Oops," he whispers.
Lila stands up straight. She looks at the boy. "It's okay," she says. Her baby kicks.
The boy giggles.
Lila pushes the classroom door open. Warm voices spill out. Children look up.
One girl waves. Lila steps inside. Her baby kicks again. Lila smiles.