A Steady Situation 3, Part 7

The crispness in the breeze was in appropriate measure for the task she had decided to try, with some gentle encouragement from a very excited partner who seemed to take to a modicum of ventilation like a high-sailed windmill.

So we’re just repotting these? I think I can do that. I just don’t want to ruffle their little roots.

That’s alright. Since they’re going to be ruffled, it’s just best to do it calmly and to give it the time it needs.

The garden was starting to bustle with lively bush and vine. Pleasant scent ambled out from the assemblage, mostly in flower or at least in bud.

She caught his eye as she finished putting one of the plants to bed as softly as she could manage.

Kind of makes me think about seedlings again. Have you thought more about it?

He held her gaze for a moment, and carefully but sternly set about disentangling one of the plants’ roots ready for resettlement.

I’m excited for any challenge you think we could be going about together- on my side, I think the garden’s ready for some change.

I mean, what about seasonality and that kind of thing though? Do you think we’re ready for it?

Well- do you mind if I break the pretense?

No.

I think you’d find it difficult.

I’ve got the capacity, I could do it. It’s a lot of work, but I’ve learned to really enjoy caring about people. We could definitely do it.

How would you feel about balancing work, me, and then- a new life?

She paused and thought for a moment.

It’s just trying to find a new system of getting everything done.

I think you’d have trouble balancing your conscience.

What do you mean?

As much as I wouldn’t mind you needing to focus on a baby a lot more than you would on me, I think you would feel guilty about it. And what if you needed to prioritise work over the child, and left it to me? I wouldn’t mind about that, either, but I think you’d feel like you weren’t in the picture as much as you should be.

That sort of insight is exactly what would make you a good dad. But, maybe we should think about a few other things first if you feel that way.