The numbers aren’t unpleasant to me.

They’re exactly my responsibility.”

“Pregnancy is a delicate condition,” Eleanor said.

“The stress of vendor disputes is bad for the baby.

Julian insists on taking over your administrative duties until after the delivery.”

She picked up her shears and turned back to the sink.

“I don’t want to step away from my work,” I said.

“The state requires my signature on the annual nonprofit certification.”