Paternity Test

Kira was feeling a little embarrassed. The living room was clean but messy. Kids’ clothes and toys were scattered all over the floor. Kira picked up a cardigan and a couple of t-shirts from the sofa, clearing out a spot for Austyn to sit at. ‘Would you like something to drink?’ ‘Just water is fine.’ Kira fetched him a glass of plain water. Austyn took a sip and scanned the place. It was small. He could see straight into the kitchen. A narrow hallway led to two bedrooms and a bathroom. The living room was cluttered with furniture and kid stuff—a rocking horse, Lego bricks and unfinished jigsaw puzzles. Joshua was lost in his puzzle world. Kira put Jennie to bed. Then she came back out to the living room. She didn’t see Austyn. ‘Balcony,’ Joshua said without looking up. The blinds were drawn. Kira pulled open the glass sliding door and was immediately assaulted with the pungent smell of tobacco. She coughed. Austyn pulled the door shut. Kira glanced at the lit cigarette in his hand and s