Love Is the Scorching Summer Evening Breeze

Eight months after giving birth, I asked Thaddeus James for money for the first time.

A little fan on sale, fifty-nine ninety-nine.

A bottle of drugstore lotion, nine ninety-nine.

I looked at the balance on my phone and explained quietly.

"The lotion lasts two years. That's five dollars a year."

"It's been hot lately. A cheap fan for the kitchen would be fine."

"Can you cover it for me? Once the baby's older and I'm back at work, I'll pay you back."

Thaddeus scrolled through his social media feed and didn't even look up.