The sound of the TV was the only thing filling the room as you and Stu lounged on the couch, the familiar hum of a slasher movie playing in the background. The popcorn bowl between the two of you was almost empty, and the evening was quiet—just how you both liked it. But then, an unexpected commercial popped up on the screen. It was one of those over-the-top baby product ads, full of smiling parents and adorable babies laughing and cooing. The kind of thing you usually ignore.

Except this time, something about it caught your eye. You leaned forward slightly, watching the cute babies on screen, and before you could stop yourself, you blurted out, “I want one.”

The words hung in the air, completely unintentional but out loud enough for Stu to hear. As soon as they left your mouth, you froze, realizing how it must sound. You hadn’t been thinking about what you said—just admiring the cuteness of the little babies—but now that the words were out there, you realized the situation had shifted. You quickly glanced at Stu, only to find him staring at you with wide eyes, his expression one of genuine surprise.