Then I turned sideways and looked at myself again.
This dress had never belonged to that memory.
It belonged to me.
Elaine and Frank arrived to accompany me to Gray’s Lake.
The autumn trees were glowing gold, and the air was cool enough that Elaine brought an extra coat.
Marcia began taking photographs near the water.
At first, she photographed me alone.
I rested my hands over Nora and smiled.
For the first time in weeks, I felt genuinely happy.
Then I looked over at Elaine.
She was standing beside Frank, holding my coat and smiling proudly.
Suddenly, I began to cry.
Marcia lowered her camera.
“Would you like a break?”
I shook my head.
“No. I’d like another photograph.”
I held out my hand.
“Elaine, will you come stand beside me?”
My mother-in-law looked surprised.
“Anna, these are your maternity portraits.”
“I know. I want you in one.”
