This is a dark fantasy story, about 4K words. I'm interested in readers for the whole thing, and due to a conversation I had at Balticon, I'm in a bit of a hurry. If anyone has the time and inclination to read this in the next 24-36 hours, that would be great. Otherwise, I'll just have to send it out the way it is.========================================
Ross watched as Dad pushed and slid the large box past his bedroom. Mom, her belly bulging, followed with a small mattress wrapped in plastic. Disturbed, Ross followed them into the nursery.
Dad noticed Ross's frown.
"It's the new crib, fella. I picked it up on the way home." He brushed melting snowflakes off of the box.
"I liked the old one."
"You haven't even seen this one yet. Besides, it's not for you. It's for your little brother."
Mom said, "We don't know--"
"The way that baby kicks? Exactly like Ross. It's got to be a boy.