THIRTY NINE

When Jane awoke, it was still dark. She let out a yawn and stretched her arms out from underneath the soft warm quilt. Daybreak would come soon and she needed to pump milk for little Timmy. She sat up and stared at the magnificent cityscape that laid out before her through Daniel's wall to ceiling window. A light blue tint peeked out from the skyline, signifying the dawn of a beautiful new day.

Daniel was still curled up fast asleep beside her and Jane gently brushed his cheek. It was bruising a little from where her Pa had struck him the night before and she felt extremely guilty that he had to bear the wrath of her father for a sin he did not commit.

“I’m sorry Daniel,” she whispered and leaned in to kiss his earlobe. He stirred a little and mumbled something in his sleep before turning to the other side and fell into a deeper slumber. Pure joy lifted her lips and she tucked his naked torso under the cover to keep him warm.

Then quietly, she