It was Martha's turn to be thoughtful. "I never considered staying home and raising my child. We needed my salary so badly quitting wasn't part of the equation. I'd love to be just a mom, at least the first few years. Of course I'd continue to help Howie as much as he needs. That remains primary."
It was Betsy who summed up our collective thoughts. "We stumbled into an incredible gift that was bestowed on Howie and we couldn't live with ourselves or look at one another if we didn't embrace everything in our power to maximize its benefits. Now this whole new scenario is dumped on us with unbelievable generosity. Maybe we're acting precipitously; as foolish as a kindergartener doing tumble saults. I may be dead wrong, but I for one say, go for it." She began to cry. I put my arm around her. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "It's just so overwhelming I don't know how else to react. I'm joyous, scared, grateful, ecstatic and half-drunk, all at the same time."
It was notable that Martha was pregnant and abstaining. I'm not sure anyone else in our group was in shape to drive home after our champagne celebration of the scary new life each of us agreed to embrace.
Mississippi. I'd never killed an adult before tonight but he deserved to die. I wish I'd had more time to do it slowly. When I noticed his flashing lights behind me, I nearly raced away but he'd have caught me. Instead, I pulled to the side of the country road like any good citizen. I reached under the seat for the gun as I rolled down the window. I shot him six times before he reached my car. My little passenger screamed from the back trunk at the sound of the gun shots but he was already dead.
Why was he pulling me over? I wasn't speeding and I'm far too cautious not to have all my lights operating properly. Did he call in my plate number? No matter. I'll steal another. I'd never drive with my own plates when I'm on the prowl for little people. Now play time with my frightened friend will be hurried. He deserved to die for inconveniencing me.