The sky had been black with storm-clouds earlier that morning, echoing her  mood at the time, but as she left the building in the afternoon, the sun shone, as though sensing her happiness.  Mary wanted to shout, but that was something she’d have to leave, for now.

Everything was fine. Nothing to worry about, they’d said, but what did they know?  Life was always springing things on you, when you least expected them.  How would she break it to Joe, things being as they were?

            The peeling paintwork and shabby look of their house depressed her.  Such high hopes, they’d shared when buying it, but they were always arguing, now, uncertain of the future, or themselves.

            “ I’m back, Joe.  Are you ready yet?  It’s only an hour till the interview you know.”  Her voice was shrill, the worry clear, and she hated herself for it.

Joe had been made redundant six months earlier.  Her part-time job helped, but money was running out. She was nagging him now, and they hardly touched, or kissed, as he grimly kept on looking for a fresh job.

He appeared from the kitchen, cup of coffee in hand for her, as he sullenly replied.

            “ Of course I’m ready, don’t shout!  Just leaving, in fact.  How is that sister of yours?  She’s had too much of your time, lately.  Wish me luck?”

Without a farewell kiss, he was gone. Later, lying in the bath, she fretted. Running her hands gently over the swell of her full breasts, and sensually following the contours of her abdomen, she enjoyed the luxury of the hot water. She couldn’t tell him, not yet. 

In the kitchen, she thought about plans they’d made three years earlier.  Both wanted children, badly, but not before the house was ready.  Working together, they’d transformed the upstairs, then fate had cruelly stepped in, on the day of his redundancy.