Howard

Howard, a soon-to-be dad and desk jockey in his daily life, found himself planted on a park bench, watching a gaggle of kids turn puddles into miniature oceans. A million what-ifs swam in his head: how would he do this whole parenting thing? Was he even remotely ready? His wife, Laura, had this unshakable faith that everything would magically fall into place the moment their kid arrived. Howard, though, felt a burning need to prepare, hence the impromptu puddle-watching session

The day was draped in a misty gray, but at least it wasn't pouring. He'd spaced on bringing an umbrella, a fact he was silently grateful for. Lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts, staring absently at his shoes, something else caught Howard’s eye…