Priorities

The gel goes on the distended belly and the gizmo is pressed in against it. After a few moments of static we can all hear the baby’s heart beat. Damn it- it’s amazing. It’s the first time I’ve heard this and I start grinning and getting explosive feelings in my stomach. Then I realise I’m tearing up. The pregnant lady has already had four children. “Is this your first one?” she asks me. I nod vigorously and make clutching gestures towards my throat. “Congratulations,” she says, “I’m so happy for you.”