𝙰𝚝 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚂𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖜𝖔

We finally rolled up to our new spot in Jersey. The car eased into the big garage like it was meant to be. I glanced back and caught Sage knocked out, snoozing like nobody's business. After shutting the garage door, I tiptoed over to Katara's side, ready to lift her out without waking her.

Unbuckling Katara, I saw Sage blinking awake. With Katara in my arms, I snagged my purse and her diaper bag from the passenger seat-feeling that mix of excitement and responsibility that comes with new beginnings.

I tossed the keys to Sage, telling her to show the way into our new digs. I felt this wave of relief hitting me as we started setting up our little corner of the world. Katara squirmed a bit in her seat, clearly time for a feed.

Upstairs, I looked around for Sage, but she'd ducked out to her room for some rest. I kicked off my shoes, threw on a comfy shirt, and got Katara down to her onesie.

Chilling next to Katara while she fed, I plugged in my phone to make sure we'd wake up on time. Before I knew it, we were both out like lights, dreaming away.

Early morning, this beeping noise cut through the quiet. I reached out, half-asleep, to kill the alarm. "Good morning, sweet girl," I whispered to Katara, locking eyes with her bright, expectant ones.

After she ate again, it was clear-adventure time. Katara was chill, not like most babies, just vibing, and it wiped away any stress.

She made this cute "blergh" sound after I burped her, her little coos and faces cracking me up. I got us both dressed, ready to tackle whatever.

Heading down the hall, Sage's empty room felt weird, but I kept moving, Katara by my side, the hallway lights just bright enough to see.

Katara and I stepped out all fresh, ready to see what's up with the world. The streets had this new vibe, like everything had leveled up since I was here last. We hit TARGET, ready for some serious shopping.

Figuring I'd be hauling a bunch of stuff, I decided to keep Katara close in her carrier instead of lugging the car seat around. I got her all snug against me and locked up the car before diving into the store.

I snagged a cart, clipped my bag on, and made a beeline for the baby gear. Diapers, wipes, pacis-you name it, I grabbed it.

Then I was cruising through the store, picking up stuff for the house. I was reaching for my fave cereals when I realized they were way up there. Trying to tiptoe-grab them, this familiar dude comes through and snags the box for me. I spun around and-no way-it's my best friend.

I was so caught up in my own world, I didn't even hear him at first. But Katara's staring at him, and it snaps me back. I thank him for grabbing the cereal and try to move on, but he's all, "Why didn't you holler at me? I would've picked you up."

I flash him a quick smile, "Wanted to surprise you," I say. But he's already grabbing my cart, typical Maxon, thinking I can't handle it with Katara on me.

He's off in his own world, humming away, and I just let out a sigh and keep shopping. Got everything we need, and I head to self-checkout. Katara's getting fidgety, probably hungry again.

I hand Maxon my card, "Can you handle this? Gotta feed Katara." He nods and nudges me out.

Back at the car, I get Katara sorted for her feed, always keeping an eye out. Then Maxon's knocking on my window, "Pop the trunk." I hit the button and watch him neatly stash the groceries.

I can see he's changed since last year-stubble, more ink, a bit of a tan.

Katara's done eating, so I fix myself up, burp her, and she lets out this big "UGH." We both crack up laughing, and I see she's grinning at Maxon, who's still hanging by the window.

He shoots her a big smile and hands me my wallet, "Catch y'all later, and you better call me when you get home, stop playing."

I just nod, knowing how he is, and as I watch him walk away, I'm thinking about how everything's changed but some things stay the same.