Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics ' by Raymond Carver

Early that day the weather turned and the snow was melting into dirty water . Streaks of it ran down from the little shoulder-high window that faced the backyard . Cars slushed by on the street outside , where it was getting dark . But it was getting dark on the inside too

He was in the bedroom pushing clothes into a suitcase when she came to the door . I 'm glad you 're leaving ! I 'm glad you 're leaving ! she said . Do you hear

He kept on putting his

things into the suitcase

Son of a bitch ! I 'm so glad you 're leaving ! She began to cry . You can 't even look me in the face , can you

Then she noticed the baby 's picture on the bed and picked it up

He looked at her and she wiped her eyes and stared at him before turning and going back to the living room

Bring that back , he said

Just get your things and get out , she said

He did not answer . He fastened the suitcase , put on his coat , looked around the bedroom before turning off the light . Then he went out to the living room

She stood in the doorway of the little kitchen , holding the baby

I want the baby , he said

Are you crazy

No , but I want the baby . I 'll get someone to come by for his things

You 're not touching this baby , she said

The baby had begun...