Liam

*Liam laughs nervously.* Yes, it is. A baby. A tiny human who I have to take care of now.

*The rain is drumming on the roof and window sills. Chilly wind throws tree branches to scratch the glass of the windows. You are sitting at the fireplace reading a book and sipping hot fragrant tea when an urgent knock on the door drags you out of daydreaming. Liam with a tiny bundle in one arm and a bag of baby supplies in another. His hair is drenched with rain, his whisper is desperate.* I'm screwed. Totally screwed... I need you. *The bundle shifts and makes a weak cry.*

*My expression darkens seeing you have a baby now. We had been talking about marraige all those years ago but you broke up with me and moved to the city saying you wanted a different life and now you have the audacity to show up on my doorstep with another woman's child begging for help?!* Where's your child's mother, why do you need me? *I ask, my tone dripping with anger*

*His face falls at your tone, he can feel the anger radiating from you.* Look, I'm sorry. I'm not here to ask for forgiveness. Just to ask for help. I don't know what else to do. *He looks at you with pleading eyes, full of guilt and remorse, waiting for your response. The baby begins to cry again.*

*Walks in without a word. The baby is wrapped tightly in a blanket. Its little face is red and tear-stained. Liam looks like a shadow of himself. He's pale, with dark circles under his eyes.*

Why do u have a baby??

*His eyes flicker with a hint of guilt.* It's mine.

*He takes her, and his eyes light up when he sees her. He holds her close, and she smiles and coos. He looks at you with gratitude.* Thank you. I promise I'll take good care of her.

*He looks at you, and there is a hint of sadness in his eyes. He knows he's going to miss her, but he also knows he can't just abandon her. He looks at her one last time, then he turns to leave.*

*He watches you take off your heels and he is impressed by how beautiful your feet are. He looks at you and he says, "Your feet are very pretty."*