He asks for my hand and inspects every wrinkle, connects every freckle, traces every line with his fingers.

He quietly analyzes my palm, with a look of angst drawn on his young face.

He tells me how many babies I was supposed to have and when I’m going to die.

Deirdre Smith has dabbled in writing for as long as she can remember. She is a part-time Guidance Counsellor and a full-time mom. She resides in the always colorful St. John’s, Newfoundland.