The Neighbor

Chapter 59

A week later, the heat of late summer still hangs in the air, but there's an underlying excitement that makes everything feel a little more vibrant. The sky is a brilliant blue, with only a few fluffy clouds lazily drifting by. The sun shines brightly, casting a warm, golden glow over everything it touches. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves on the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of freshly cut grass. It's the kind of day that makes you want to savor every moment, a perfect backdrop for the day's activities.

The boys have been buzzing with energy all morning, chattering non stop about their new school year as you and Wanda load up the car for a day of back to school shopping. Their excitement is infectious, making the day feel full of promise and possibility.

Wanda looks effortlessly stunning in a floral print butterfly sleeve knot side wrap dress. The dress is the perfect blend of elegance and summer charm, with a delicate pattern of flowers in soft, pastel hues. The wrap style cinches at her waist, highlighting her figure, while the slit adds a hint of playfulness, showing just a glimpse of her toned legs as she moves. The length of the dress just covers her knees, creating a graceful silhouette that's both sophisticated and breezy.

Her auburn hair cascades down in soft waves, catching the light with its rich, reddish hues, perfectly complementing the floral pattern of her dress. The color of her hair enhances the warmth of her complexion, and the way it frames her face gives her an ethereal, sun kissed glow. The butterfly sleeves flutter gently with each movement, adding a touch of whimsy. On her feet, she's wearing elegant yet practical heeled sandals, the straps wrapping around her ankles, giving her outfit a polished finish. A pair of sunglasses sits perched atop her head, ready to shield her eyes from the bright July sun.

As for you, comfort is key as you approach the final month of your pregnancy. You're wearing a breathable, loose fitting maxi dress in a soft pastel color, the fabric flowing gently around your body, accommodating your growing belly. Simple flat sandals keep you grounded, and a light cardigan is draped over your arm in case the store's air conditioning becomes too chilly. Your hair is pulled back in a relaxed bun, and you wear minimal makeup, letting your natural glow enhanced by the pregnancy shine through.

The boys, are dressed casually for the summer outing. Tommy sports a graphic t shirt featuring his favorite superhero, paired with cargo shorts that allow for easy movement. Billy, ever the careful one, has chosen a more understated look: a striped polo shirt and khaki shorts. Both of them wear sneakers, the kind that are perfect for running around the store as they dive into the excitement of back to school shopping.

The drive to the store is filled with their eager voices, debating the best backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies. Wanda keeps glancing over at you from the driver's seat, a soft smile on her lips as she listens to the boys. Every now and then, she reaches out to rest a hand on your knee, a simple but meaningful gesture that speaks volumes about her love and affection for you.

When you arrive at the store, the boys practically burst out of the car, their excitement visible as they make a beeline for the entrance. Wanda laughs softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she watches them, a look of pure adoration on her face.

"Remember when school supplies were the most exciting thing in the world?" she murmurs, her hand finding yours as the two of you follow the boys inside.

You smile, squeezing her hand gently. "Mhm, those were the days," you reply, your heart warming at the sight of your children so full of joy.

Inside the store, it's a back to school wonderland rows upon rows of colorful backpacks, notebooks, and pens stacked high on the shelves. The boys eyes widen with excitement as they take it all in, their heads swiveling from side to side as they try to decide where to start.