He hesitated before adding, "About last night … the door being locked was an accident. I accidentally bumped Miranda and she had oil all over her clothes, so she needed to shower and wash her hair.”
I forced myself out of bed and gave him a nonchalant nod.
Only after I finished breakfast did Charlie stand up and pack his bags. I watched him quietly and did not make any effort to speak. For once, he took the initiative to explain, "I applied to be the supervising teacher for the sketching art class. I couldn’t let them work unsupervised.”
“I promised you I’d take care of these kids. I have to keep my word," he told me.
I laughed bitterly. What an admirable sense of responsibility. He took care of his students so thoroughly that it extended to the bedroom. How responsible.
"When are you leaving?" I asked.
“Tonight,” he replied after a pause.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
"I’ll be back in time for your next prenatal checkup," he added, sensing my silence.
I did not give any response and when he left for his midnight flight, I had already gone to bed. I had no intention of seeing him off.