Lunch Date (Estella Restaurant)

[Natalie Grey]

Natalie wasn’t a saccharine person, and she rarely said anything she didn’t mean – and certainly not with those she was closest to. Her assurance wasn't an empty comfort, for all it was also the expected thing to say. Truth was Emily had stepped into the role of parent the moment her parents had died, with all the quiet weight of burden it must have entailed on top of her own deep grief. The small tremble didn’t go unnoticed, though Natalie called no obvious attention to it. She imagined some doubts toward motherhood were natural, but she didn’t think it was that – it seemed deeper. Or perhaps fresher.

“But?” she asked. Her tone was soft but direct as she caught Emily’s eye. She didn’t push further than that, just listened.