After I finish the call, I walk barefoot around the garden. It’s turning into a scorcher – looks like summer has well and truly arrived. Feeling rejuvenated, I pull on my running gear and set out for the beach. The weight of my belly pulls me forwards, throwing me off balance until I find a position and rhythm that works. I imagine in another week or so I won’t be able to run anymore. I’ll have to be content with a fast-paced waddle.

In less than twenty minutes, I’m stepping onto the sand and inhaling lungfuls of sea air. There are a few people sunbathing, a few bobbing about neck deep in the water and several standing half in, half out, undecided if they should go all the way or back out. I could never do that. My approach is to dash in and dive under, or don’t get in the water at all.

I expect the sea temperature is chilly, but I’m hot and the water looks so inviting I’m contemplating a swim. My first swim of the summer, I realize. Ever since I bought my house, my Sunday ritual from early December through to late April has been: run to the beach, swim and run back home to shower. But this month I’ve been so wrapped up with work, and pregnancy, and the appearance of family members, ex-boyfriends and guys who knit and smell of lavender, I haven’t even thought about coming to the beach.

I pull off my shoes and socks, yank my singlet over my head, and charge across the sand in my shorts and sports bra. Plunging into the water, I do an ungainly flop onto my back, widen my arms and legs into a starfish shape, and float. It’s deliciously cold and I feel weightless. Why haven’t I done this sooner? Glancing down at my stomach sticking out of the water, I notice my belly button is now a fully-fledged outie.

After a short, lazy attempt at backstroke, I retrieve my gear, rinse my feet under the tap, then sit on a bench to wrestle my socks and shoes onto my wet feet. Surprisingly, I decide to walk home rather than run. I simply don’t have the urge to push myself so hard anymore. I’ve even stopped going to the gym. It’s a pleasant change from the constant pressure I always felt to be better and do more.

*

After a shower, I make myself toast with smashed avocado, mushrooms and poached eggs.