Asher left the room and closed the door.
Now, in the empty single room, she is left alone with her thoughts. She pondered Asher’s last question.
Why, in case of an emergency, does she still think of Warren first, even though Asher is back?
Two months ago, she and Warren were still strangers, even opposing parties. She feared him but admired him. He had an indifference, arrogance, and a vague suspicion about her. He suspected that she had ill intentions.
But after two months, she has become a “roommate” who is willing to share all ups and downs with him. He has become an emergency kit that she can activate anytime, anywhere.
He had let go of his indifference and arrogance. Whenever she needed him, he was there to accompany and comfort her.
Such a man was a treasure in the world, and she couldn’t help but be enchanted by him.
The subconscious thought of him and her dependence on him had become her habit over the past two months.
Outside, Warren returned and encountered Asher in the hallway.
Asher looked at him silently, then shifted his gaze to the seafood soup he held.
That was Penelope’s favorite, and he knew it.
“Uncle, should I propose to her?” Asher smiled as if his previous downcast mood was just an illusion.
“Why ask me?” Warren replied.
“Because both of us think she’s amazing. We’re both people who recognize a treasure when we see one,” Asher said with a smile.
“Is that so?”
“Uncle Warren, I know you’re not one to meddle.”
“She needs care.”
“I’m the child’s father, and it’s my responsibility to take care of them.”
Silence. A heavy, dead silence filled the hallway.
****
Day broke, and Asher entered the room holding a bowl of seafood soup.
Penelope lay asleep, her eyes closed, appearing tranquil like an angel.
Asher settled beside her, and she slowly opened her eyes, her restless sleep evident.
“Uncle Warren got you some soup, and I warmed it up for you.” Asher smiled as he placed the soup beside her. He set up a small table and positioned the soup bowl on it.
Penelope rubbed her slightly dry eyes and inquired, “Where is he?”
“He’s gone.”
“Okay.”
Asher observed her absentmindedly stirring her soup. He sighed and said, “I tested him for you. He likes you.”
With a mouthful of soup, she turned abruptly, choked, and questioned, “Who are you talking about?”
Asher chuckled and handed her a tissue. “Who else could I be talking about?”
Penelope held a spoon, her expression pensive.
“He likes me?” She asked softly.
“You don’t believe it?” Asher chuckled.
Penelope smiled, “I believe you.”
This time, Asher was taken aback. “Did you already know?”
If he didn’t like her, he would have never taken care of her in this way. He even observed her emotions in such a subtle way, comforted her, and kissed her…
But the feelings were probably not very deep.
“To feel good about each other and keep a proper distance, this is the best,” Penelope smiled.
“What about that child?”
Penelope bowed her head and touched her stomach. Then she raised her eyebrows. “A great father would be the best gift to him. What more could he ask for?”
Asher patted her head and said, “Do you know why I like being friends with you?”
“?”
“A lot of people don’t know how to be content, but you do.”
****
Penelope had rested in bed for a week. During that time, she had been injected with progesterone in regular doses. After testing, all the indicators were stable. She was finally discharged from the hospital and returned home.
Spring was coming, and it was drizzling. Passersby in the street came and went in haste, hurrying to their respective destinations. Asher held up a black umbrella over her head and guarded her to the car.
“What’s wrong?” Asher looked at her.
This week, she had often been absent-minded. Sometimes, she looked out of the window. Sometimes, she was watching TV on her phone.
“It’s all right,” Penelope shook her head and walked ahead arm-in-arm with him.
After getting in the car, Asher sat in the driver’s seat. He said, “Now that I’m back, it’s inappropriate to live at my uncle’s house. So, I moved your luggage out yesterday. We’re back to my house.”
“Is that your property?”
“Yes, I have been living there.”
Penelope looked at the front with her chin on both fists and asked, “Asher, do you want to tell your family that you are gay?”
“No.” Asher looked at her through the rearview mirror. “Why do you ask this question?”
“Isn’t your situation just like mine?” She chuckled.
Asher almost couldn’t hold the steering wheel. “What did you say? Don’t tell me that you are a lesbian.”
Penelope paused, then smiled and said, “If I were.”
Asher curved his lips, “Then my uncle may be mad.”
The nephew is gay, and the child’s mother is lesbian.
“I’m not.” Penelope felt a little relieved. She said, “I mean, the fact that you don’t dare to tell him about your sexual orientation, just as I don’t dare to tell him about my pregnancy.”
“Is it the same? Not exactly.” Asher curled his lips and said, “My uncle is more than thirty years old. He isn’t married and doesn’t have a baby. The baby in your stomach may be his first child. Will he be unhappy?”
Penelope said, “According to my understanding, men generally use condoms to prevent women from becoming pregnant.”
“But at that time, you were only the object of a one-night stand. He didn’t like you at that time.”
“What’s the difference?” Penelope chuckled and looked out of the window. She said, “If one day he meets a better and more attractive woman, he will blame me. Why give birth to the baby? Is it stupid?”
“Of course, he will not throw off the responsibility of the baby, but it is unfair to him.” Penelope grinned as if thinking of his distressed expression.
Asher said, “That’s fine if you have figured it out.”
Penelope spread her hands, “After all, I took advantage of him, didn’t I?”
Compared to a man who was unknown or a bad guy, the result that he was the baby’s father was God’s greatest preference for her.
What about a single family? She didn’t live a happy life when she was in a two-parent family.
She would try her best to raise her child and respect him; this would be her future life.