CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SEVEN – A BREAK FROM BABY DUTY

The stroller squeaked rhythmically as Karina pushed it down the bustling sidewalk, dodging the crowds. Little Becky, nestled under a bright pink canopy, cooed happily, her tiny hand clutching a stuffed giraffe. Across from her, Marie bounced along, a wide grin splitting her face. "This is just what you needed, Karina! A break from all that baby duty," Marie declared, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of honking horns. "A break is right," Karina chuckled, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. The sun beat down mercilessly, and even with the stroller's shade, Becky seemed to be getting fussy. "Maybe we should find a place to sit soon?" "Perfect timing!" Marie exclaimed, pointing to a brightly lit shopping mall across the street. "Air conditioning, food court, and a million baby stores – what more could a girl ask for?" Relief washed over Karina. A cool escape and a chance to refuel sounded like paradise. She expertly navigated the pedestrian crossing, the stroller wheels cl