"It’s nearly Halloween."

They were eating dinner together but Samuel had yet to look up from the paper. He took a bite, chewed, flipped the page, made a face at something he’d just read and then continued eating. Eleanor watched him for a few moments, her own meal mostly untouched. She’d put a lot of work into it. She did every night. One good comment from him in a week was enough to make her happy but it didn’t look like she would be getting that word of praise today.

"Samuel?"

His name finally pierced his solitude and he even seemed surprised to look up and see her sitting across from him. “Yes?” He reached for his glass of water as he spoke, a vague smile appearing on his face. "Sorry. Did you say something before?"

Eleanor smiled back.

"It’s nearly Halloween."

"Ah," he said, in the manner of someone who is wondering why such information had even been brought up.

"I’m going to be making chocolates for all the children at school but… I was thinking it would be nice if we could go out? Just a little walk down the street. I love seeing all the costumes and there’s that nice café that will be open, maybe we could…"

She trailed off. His gaze had gone back to the paper.

"We’ll see," he said.

It hurt a bit but her husband was a busy man. He didn’t have time for all of her whims and fancies.

Eleanor picked up a piece of broccoli smothered in cheese sauce and nibbled at the end. It would have been nice to go out but she would just have to settle for welcoming children to her door. Her handmade treats were always well received and seeing their smiling faces bounding away with their bags full of candy always made her so happy.

Maybe she could actually do a bit of decorating and get a cute costume for herself.

They continued eating in near silence with Eleanor’s mind wandering further, imagining herself with her own children in tow. A little witch with her own broom and stuffed black cat and little boy to, dressed up as a cute little pumpkin. One of each would be perfect, though to be quite honest, she’d be as content with one and she would be with ten.

If only…

"Samuel…"

"Mmm?"

"I… oh, never mind…"

There was no point in asking again, not tonight. The subject was children was always shut down quickly or diverted. It would be no different now. His work was simply too important and there he had a trial to prepare for.

"… how was your dinner?"

"Lovely sweetheart."

His plate was clean but sometimes she wondered if he even tasted it at all. Even so Eleanor smiled again and stood up to take his plate.

"I’m glad you enjoyed it."

Outside the autumn leaves swirled in the wind and pumpkins glowed on front porches. Eleanor stopped at the kitchen window to stare out at the world, placed a hand against her belly and wished.