Jack locked his bicycle, its paint peeling, to the iron railing in the stairwell. The rusty chain gave a piercing scrape. He had heard that sound for three years, but today it seemed to have a rhythm all its own.
He bounded up to the fifth floor. The wooden door stood ajar, and the smell of boiling potatoes drifted through the gap.
"Janet!" Jack pushed the door open and rushed inside without even changing his shoes.
Janet stood at the chipped kitchen counter, peeling an apple with a paring knife. At his voice, she turned, a few strands of blond hair hanging over her forehead. She looked tired, but her smile was gentle.
"What happened? You're home so early today."
Jack strode over, swept his wife into his arms, and planted a firm kiss on her cheek. "Wayne Enterprises! Janet, Wayne Enterprises called me!"
Janet froze, and the potato in her hand rolled into the sink. "Wayne Enterprises? The Wayne Enterprises in Upper Town?"
"Yes! They want me to interview for a senior technical consultant position tomorrow afternoon!" Jack was so excited he could barely get his words out. He pulled the crumpled slip of paper from his pocket.
"It was that big guy, John. He really arranged a job for me! We're getting out of the East End! Once the baby's born, we'll have clean milk, and you won't have to line up at the relief station for moldy bread anymore!"
He had already mapped out their new life in his mind. Move out of the East End, rent an apartment with heating and its own bathroom, buy a sturdy crib for their unborn child. None of it was an impossible dream anymore.
Janet covered her mouth, her eyes reddening. She leaned against Jack's chest, tears streaming down her