Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Austyn tossed his pen aside and started typing on the keyboard. He looked up and saw Kira in the doorway, standing still like a statue. ‘What are you still doing up?’ He checked the time. ‘It’s one o’clock. Can’t sleep?’ He beckoned. ‘Come here.’ Kira slowly moved to the desk. Austyn pulled her down to sit on his lap. She caught the smell of strong black coffee and saw an empty mug on the desk. The familiar ceramic ashtray was gone. ‘What are you doing here?’ he asked again. Kira wrapped both arms around his neck and rested her face against his chest. ‘I can’t sleep.’ ‘Do you want a couple of melatonin pills?’ He shook his head and shot down his own idea. ‘Better not. I’ll consult Dr Lynch tomorrow, see what kind of medication you can take.’ ‘I don’t need medication.’ ‘What do you need then?’ ‘You,’ Kira thought, but she didn’t say it out loud. Austyn stroked her back. ‘You’re pregnant now. You need all the rest you can get.’ ‘I know.’ Yet she did not move. ‘Come on. You should go back