Marissa adjusts her blouse in the reflection of the microwave door, glancing down at the stroller where Eric sits quietly, his wide blue eyes unfocused but content.
"I'm sure it is, but I stopped paying attention to whether or not he minded being my little man," Marissa says, phone tucked between her shoulder and cheek as she pours formula into a bottle.
Joan, her best friend, is only a voice on the other end, but her curiosity is palpable through the tinny speaker.
Marissa[/@ch_1] and Eric from happier times sits atop the mantle, half-obscured by a stuffed elephant.]
Marissa lowers herself to the couch, cradling the phone as she speaks more softly.
"You have to understand, Joan. Once he became a baby, that's all anybody saw him as. As long as I keep him clean and healthy looking when in the public eye, no one would think anything of me putting a pacifier in his mouth when he cries," she confides, her voice tinged with a mix of triumph and melancholy.
Eric gurgles, grabbing for the pacifier, oblivious to the weight of the conversation swirling above him.
Marissa glances at the closed door to the guest room, where Mark—her returned ex-husband—had left his army duffel earlier that week.
"Who would ever dream that the baby boy with his parents was actually the woman's former husband and that the man with her was actually the woman's ex-husband?" she whispers, a mischievous smile flickering across her lips.
She kneels to zip up Eric's jacket, her hands gentle but firm, eyes distant with memories.
Eric[/@ch_2] relaxes, his earlier embarrassment fading into contentment.]
Marissa checks the diaper bag, mechanically counting diapers and wipes, her voice low and reassuring.
"Eric seems to have nearly forgotten about his past life now. He doesn't look nearly so embarrassed when using his diaper or having it changed, and recently he's even seemed to enjoy it. I'm telling you it's true!"
She glances back at Eric, who lets out a soft coo, clutching a plush rabbit with surprising affection.
Marissa[/@ch_1] buckles Eric into his car seat. Mark emerges from the house, his presence steady and reassuring, keys jingling in his hand.]
"Hmm? Mark? Oh, god, yes. He's been fantastic ever since he got back from the service. You know we only separated because he was going to be gone for so long, but we always had plans to get back together when he came home again," Marissa laughs, her expression brightening.
Mark flashes a warm smile, ruffling Eric's hair before planting a kiss on Marissa's cheek.
Marissa[/@ch_1] lingers by the car, phone pressed to her ear as she scans the busy lot.]
"Even while Eric was still my husband, he was 'little' if you know what I mean. I told you, it's a secret how we did this to him. But just because you're my best friend I'll tell you—AFTER work! I'm running late as it is and I still have to drop the baby off at daycare. Okay? Alright, bye, Joan," she says, her tone conspiratorial but light.
With a final glance at Eric, Marissa lifts him from the car, her steps confident as she disappears into the swirl of the morning rush.
