No matter how often people talk about the volatility of happiness or just how easy it is for everything fought for to be ripped away from us, humans are innately arrogant. We all bask in our own happiness and never allow ourselves to think that the horrible things we hear about could happen to us. We’re never prepared for when it does. I’ve always wondered if it’s a blessing or a curse to be ignorant of the fact that the last interaction you have with someone will truly be the last. Would having that knowledge lessen the genuineness of the interaction? Or would it make the interaction more sincere to know that this was the last opportunity to say everything one needed to say? People say that ignorance is bliss. But sometimes it isn’t.

“Go, Lyra,” I cheer as she takes step after wobbly step. 

            “Just a few more steps, baby girl!” Morris shouts. I stare at the image in front of me—a milestone for both—only two completely different paths of growth. “Yay! You did it!” He scoops her up gleefully, tossing her into the air and catching her.

            “Did you see that, Marion?”

            “Of course I saw it,” I chuckle.

            “Gosh, it’s so hard to believe she’s already this big. How is it possible? It feels like just yesterday we were gathered around the bathroom counter, staring at the pregnancy test.”

            “Yeah, that was a lifetime ago.” I grab my white coat from the rack by the door and fluff the collar as I sling my purse over my shoulder.

            “Off to save more lives?” Morris asks as he sits Lyra on the floor.

            “More like off to bring more lives into the world. I’d rather not have any near calls to save anyone from.” I peck my lips against his quickly and squat down to Lyra. “Be good for Daddy. Momma will be back soon.”

            “She’s always good. Aren’t you, baby?” He scoops her up, waving her arm up and down. “She’s my best girl.” 

I roll my eyes and swing the door open, rushing to make up for the time I spent on the floor. “She has you completely wrapped around her chubby little fingers, you know that, right?”

            “Absolutely not. She knows who’s in charge around here.” He sterns his tone and furrows his eyebrows. 

            “Sure… sure she does. You’re going to be in so much trouble when she’s older.”

“More like she will be trouble. I’m sure of it.”

“Oh, I have no doubt. I better get going before I’m late. I’ll see you tonight. Love you.”

            “Love you, Ion.” 

            I roll my eyes at the nickname I’ve had since our first date. Most call me Mare, but not Morris. “See you tomorrow.” I wave and close the door behind me. 

I wish I had known how limited those good days were. I would’ve locked myself in that room and never left.