The familiar ringtone of my phone brought me back from my wayward thoughts as I watched the city pass by outside the cab window. I glanced at the screen, something between a smile and a grimace stretching my face.
“Hey, Mom,” I greeted carefully, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Hoping against hope that this wasn’t one of those calls when she’d forgotten to take her meds for too long again. I wouldn’t be able to handle her melancholic rambling too well if that was the case—not today of all days.
“Happy birthday, my dear!” My mom’s warm voice filled the cab. “I can’t believe you’re another year more wonderful.”
Relief washed over me, and I chuckled, my gaze wandering to the cityscape whizzing by. “Thanks. It feels like any other day, though.”
Except, this wasn’t just any day. I was about to see my baby for the first time. For a moment, a wave of sadness and disappointment hit me. I can’t even share my pregnancy with my mom.