Leo’s Hospital Papers Changed What I Thought I Knew About Vivian

touch it.

“About what?”

She looked at Daniel first.

“About what happens after the babies arrive.”

Then she looked at me.

“You should not have to handle all of this alone.”

I rested my hand beside the folder.

“Concern does not require my signature.”

Vivian smiled at Daniel.

Not at me.

Daniel had one hand on the car seat buckle when the nurse came in with the morning checklist.

“Only the approved visitors,” I said. “Please.”

The nurse glanced at Daniel, then back at me. “We have that noted.”

Daniel picked up his phone from the counter. “I will make sure.”

“You said that yesterday.”

“I know.”

He looked at the two empty car seats waiting near the door. One had a folded blanket tucked inside it. The other held a package of newborn diapers that had slipped sideways during the night.

“I should have taken those home,” he said.