Chapter 34: Departure, Zoo

"Ursula, what are you doing here?"

That voice was unmistakable, pulled Ursula from her thoughts. She turned to see Dylan, her vibrant friend, and Matthew, ever the picture of poise and good looks.

The supermarket was the last place she expected a run-in, especially with Matthew, who'd once silently declined her invitation to shop together.

Her heart clenched at the sight of them, yet she forced a smile. "Just picking up a few essentials."

Dylan eyed her curiously. "It's packed today. Shouldn't you be at work?"

Ursula, the relentless worker, had her reasons, the ones Dylan didn't know.

Matthew, quiet and observant, commanded attention effortlessly.

Feeling a bit off, I decided to call in sick," Ursula explained, her hand tightening on the cart as Matthew remained stoically silent.

Dylan's worry was evident as she half-joked, "And where's Timothy in all this? Not very attentive for a boyfriend."

"It's a small matter. Timothy's just returned from a trip, he's tied up," Ursula said, deflecting, her heart sinking a bit more.

Dylan clucked her tongue. "You're too soft on him." She turned to Matthew, seeking backup. "Help me out here. She shouldn't be alone if she's not well."

Matthew met Ursula's gaze, and said. "She knows her own body best."

"But she's my best friend," Dylan countered with a hint of playfulness.

Feeling the tension rise, Ursula interjected, "I've found what I needed. You two should enjoy your day."

Dylan, puzzled by Ursula's sudden departure, called after her. It was a subtle test, one many women know well, to measure where they stand in their partner's heart.

Matthew had noticed something too, the child's water bottle and the cake in Ursula's cart were out of character. And then there was "Hamlet" tucked beneath the fruit, an odd choice for her. Pieces of a puzzle he couldn't solve, but it was clear Ursula was keeping secrets.

"She must have something important to attend to." Matthew remarked, letting the matter drop.

Dylan didn't press further, and was pleased to have Matthew's attention. Ursula slipped away. Once alone, she checked her cart, relieved the cake hidden below.

"It's just a cake," she reassured herself, hoping Matthew hadn't connected the dots to her aversion to sweets.

Her shopping spirit dampened, Ursula hurried to check out then left. She glanced around outside, relieved to see no sign of Matthew or Dylan, and caught a cab back to the hospital.

In the safety of Adam's room, her nerves calmed. She presented the cat-shaped cake with a smile. "Look what Mommy has for you."

Adam's delight at the cake was infectious.

"Enjoy, sweetheart." Ursula encouraged, her mind wandering to Matthew's hidden sweet spot, something Adam seemed to get from her. She recalled a work party where Matthew's eyes softened at the sight of cake.

Now, as Adam savored the treat, Ursula felt a poignant connection to Matthew, who, despite his penchant for sweets, would never partake in them publicly.