It was rush hour on the subway and the train was packed. I slipped into a space and grabbed hold of the nearest pole making sure I didn’t kick the feet of the people in front of me, who were lucky enough to have snagged a seat.

After a few stops, a woman sitting in front of me waved her hand to get my attention. I took one earphone out of my ear so I could hear what she was saying.

“Would you like to sit down?” she asked, looking concerned.

“Oh– I’m fine… thanks though”

“You sure?”

“Yes,” I said, wondering why she was so worried.

“Okay,” she said slowly.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the train windows… one hand holding onto the pole, the other resting on my stomach. I looked back at the woman who offered me her seat, catching her as she glanced down at my tummy before going back to her book.

She thought I was pregnant….

*sigh*