Echo walked my body most of the way home while I finished some paperwork. Reaching the door, I stowed the paperwork in my virtual office and took control back. I paused, thinking about what I wanted to say to Cindy. With a deep breath, I opened the door to our apartment, expecting a wave of screaming kids. It was completely quiet, however, and right away, I was worried.
Tentatively, I looked around inside.
Cindy was sitting by herself on a small couch in the center. Our place was pristine white, a nearly featureless projection—calm and quiet.
It felt creepy.
“Oh, Rick,” she exclaimed, getting up off the couch and coming to me as I entered. “What did you do to yourself ?”
“It’s not your fault. It was my fault.” I held up my hands. “I’m okay, it’s just a scratch. I was out doing some night drills for work.”
She looked unconvinced. “About last night, Rick, I know you had something important to say—”
“And I still do,” I interrupted. “Look, I know it’s been a long time getting here, but I’m ready now, and I know you are.”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around me, kissing me. “That’s wonderful news, baby.”
I’d expected a little more. I repeated myself. “I want to have a real baby with you, you understand?”
She nodded. “Of course I do, and that’s wonderful news. Let’s get it just right then.”
I took a deep breath, feeling relief wash through my body. “Where are the boys?”
“Oh, they’re gone now,” she replied casually, surprising me.
As long as she was happy, which she seemed to be, it was fine with me. Still, I had to admit I felt some sudden pangs of regret.
“But,” she continued, “I do have someone I’d like you to meet.”
A crack appeared in the smooth white wall behind the couch. She led me by the hand toward it as the wall slid open to reveal a room beyond. I heard a soft gurgling sound. We walked up to the edge of a cradle, and Cindy bent over to pick up a baby girl who lay inside it.
She held her up to me, and I took the baby in my arms.
“Rick, please meet Brianna,” Cindy announced softly.
I looked down into my new daughter’s face. She was beautiful.
Maybe I’d always wanted a baby girl.