Title: The Milk Dilemma
Libby stood by the door, keys in hand, her patience thinning like the last drops in a bottle. “Levy, we’re going. Amanda needs us,” she said, trying to keep her voice calm.
Levy sat cross-legged on the floor, clutching his empty cup, his face tight with stubborn determination. “I’m not going,” he said. “There’s no milk there.”
Amanda, sitting carefully on the couch with one hand resting on her swollen belly, gave a tired smile. “I can get milk, Levy. It’s not a problem.”
Levy shook his head vigorously. “No. Last time there was no milk. Only juice. I don’t want juice.” His voice wavered at the end, betraying that this wasn’t just about milk.
Libby sighed, glancing between the two. “Levy, we talked about this. Amanda needs help right now. We can’t just leave her alone.”
“I’m not leaving the house,” Levy insisted, hugging his cup closer like it was something precious. “What if I get thirsty?”
Amanda shifted slightly, wincing before forcing another smile. “Hey,” she said gently, “how about this—I promise there will be milk this time. We can even stop and buy some on the way. You can pick it yourself.”
Levy hesitated. His eyes flicked up, searching her face for any hint of doubt. “Really?”
“Really,” Amanda said, nodding. “The biggest carton you want.”
Libby softened her tone. “See? Problem solved.”
But Levy still didn’t move. “And what if the baby cries?” he added quietly.
Amanda’s expression changed, softer now, understanding. “The baby might cry,” she admitted. “Babies do that. But I could really use a brave helper. Someone who makes sure I don’t forget things… like milk.”
Levy looked down at his cup, then back at Amanda. Slowly, he stood up.
“I’ll come,” he said, “but only if I carry the milk.”
Libby smiled in relief, opening the door. “Deal.”
Amanda laughed softly. “Deal.”
And with that, Levy stepped forward—still unsure, still clutching his worries—but ready, at last, to go.
