294... or was it 297. At this point it doesn't really matter. She's gained and lost more than she cares to keep track of. Now, it sits on her frame like a death shroud, shifting and moving with every movement she's forced to endure.

That movement has become like a walk of shame every time she's asked to do it. Getting out of bed, sitting down, getting up again; they all require more energy, more motivation than she can muster. Not to mention the small human who depends on her for everything. Exhaustion is a constant, annoying, never-satisfied companion who just won't go away.

Still, she wakes every time her baby wakes and sleeps whenever she can manage a few winks. But no matter, exhaustion is always there.

She spends her birthday in the sweltering sun, hoping to sell baked goods she spent two nights making. And the heat is almost unbearable as she watches over the two of her children she brought with her. She smiles as they walk through the other vendor stalls, window shopping of sorts at all the interesting bits and bobs for sale.

Her older daughter brings her a beautiful little bowl a local artist created and the gift means more than she can put into words. She reminisces as the softball team across the aisle hawks frozen drinks and puts up $4 for her girls to each enjoy something cold and refreshing. Eventually they pack up and head home, the weight still pressing down like a ball and chain she'll never escape.

The morning dawns with the same oppressive heat, but what she doesn't know is that her life is about to change with one simple word.

"Hey mama," her child calls from somewhere in the house. "Come walking with me."

She contemplates a nice walk, despite the heat and shrugs. "Okay."