CHAPTER 169: UNSCRIPTED TIES

Nathaniel

Christian pauses for a brief moment. "You don't have to share if you don't want to," he says, attempting to break off from the conversation.

"No, it's fine," I say, looking toward the rear yard. "My fiancé is pregnant."

Yes, buddy, I knew that already.

"Oh, congratulations," I say, making an effort to pretend that I was completely ignorant.

"Thank you." He glances down at his engagement band. "It's a girl."

His general body language and posture give off the impression that he is extremely anxious.

"Dude, don't worry. You'll be just fine, I'm sure," I say, doing everything in my power to reassure him.

This consoling conversation is awful. I can't help him at all. I'm not used to being comforted, much less providing comfort to others, as a male.

"Yeah, I hope so," he says, becoming reticent.

"Yes, don't question yourself in advance. Positive things are on their way for you. Consider them all to be blessings," I try to console him again.

"Yes, they are a blessing, but I'm quite