We got married out back at the pond. It was cold, and it was just us, but it was perfect. The snow was soft and white, covering everything in it’s embrace. Our vows were short and sweet. We were each others, forever and always.

That night was our first time, just as planned. I was nervous, he was gentle. It was amazing.

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About a week later I was upstairs talking to Catarina when I heard a yell from downstairs. I flew down then and into the kitchen to find Hal all blackened.

“Ahhhh!!!!!” He screamed from shock and pain, running outside. I gasped as right after our dishwasher burst into flames

After cooling off Hal ran back in, and fainted as he saw the reaper come. It swooped in and took his elderly cat. I stood, watching all of this unfold, still in shock.

After everything calmed down, the reaper left with Sebby, and the firefighter put out our fire, I headed upstairs. It was unusually quiet. That when I noticed Catarina, on the floor of her perch, unmoving. A wail escaped my lips as I ran over and tried to wake her. She couldn’t be dead. She couldn’t.

She was. I spent the next week in a haze, depressed about my life-long friend and bird, as well as Sebby, who I never had the chance to get to know very well. I didn’t have long to mourn though, as I was soon running to the bathroom everyday to throw up my breakfast.

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Today was Hal’s birthday. I took a deep breath and pulled on a sweatshirt I had hidden in the back of my closet. My belly was growing, and I couldn’t fit into my dress anymore. I hadn’t told Hal yet. I was waiting for today. I went down and made the cake, then waited for him to get home.

He burst through the door, a smile on his face. “Darling!” He called, waltzing over to me and wrapping his hands around my waist. “I got a promotion!”

I hugged him tight. “Congratulations!” I exclaimed, pulling away. “Here, come blow out your candles, then I’ll give you your birthday present.”

He smiled and followed me to the kitchen, watching as I lit the candles.

“You’re not wearing your grandmother’s dress.” He stated, curiosity in his eyes.

” Yes, that’s part of your birthday present. Now blow out your candles.” I nodded, smiling as my stomach fluttered with nervousness. He kept his eyes on me, an amused smile on his face as he blew out his candles.

“Done, now tell me why my wonderful wife isn’t wearing the only outfit she wears.” He said, pulling me close, lightly tapping me on the nose. I took a deep breath.

“I’m pregnant.” I said, watching his face. He pulled away and his smile grew bigger.

“That’s great!” He exclaimed bending down to place his hands on my belly. He rubbed it softly, feeling the swell underneath the soft fabric.