4.4

"So I was at the mall today and I got this dress"

He keeps his head down. His eyes on the newspaper.

"I thought I could wear it to Kathy's daughter's wedding."

He lifts his head. The corners of his mouth go up into a slight smile. Then eyes back on the newspaper.

"I tried it on I think it looks ok. Would you like to see it on?"

He shakes his head no.

"Well I hope it doesn't make my hips look big. You don't think my hips are too big right?"

He shakes his head no again.

"So you don't think it'll make me look fat right?"

Head stays down. He rolls his eyes.

"I've been following all these weight loss tips I read in one of those women's health magazines but I don't think it's working. Do you think They're working?"

Head still down.

"Do I look slimmer to you?"

He moves his head down, this time into his hands.

"Are you listening to me?"

He lifts his head. The corners of his mouth go back into a smile. He nods.

"Anyway, I have to go pick up Sarah from soccer. I'll pick up dinner on the way home."

This time, a sigh of relief.