Time was relative at the beach. Some days we spent hours trying to teach new words to Oni. Sometimes Alexis and I marveled at the beauty of the sun as it reflected off the ocean's waves or slowly set into the horizon.

As my stomach grew, Alexis made me long flowing dresses. I would catch him staring at me as if he was searching for a glimpse inside of my soul. Whenever I saw him staring at me so intensely, I would remember the way I used to stare at Paul at the end, wanting ...