“You said you wanted to think.”
“I did.”
“And?”
“I decided.”
She waited.
I did not fill the silence.
Vivian looked toward the bassinet again.
“You understand what this means for the Sterling family.”
I looked at Leo.
“I understand what it means for me.”
Her mouthtightened for a second.
Then she smiled again.
“I am only asking you to be practical.”
Daniel picked up his phone.
“I forgot the extra blanket and the bag with the bottles.”
“You do not need to go.”
“I do.”
He looked at me.
“I will be back.”
I nodded.
He walked to the door.
Vivian moved aside for him, but her eyes stayed on Leo.
Daniel paused.
“Mom.”
She looked at him.
“Please do not make this harder.”
Vivian gave him a small nod.
“Of course.”
The door closed behind him.
I adjusted Luna in my arms and checked that Leo’s blanket was tucked beneath his chin.
Vivian pulled the chair closer.
“I thought we could speak privately.”
“We are already private.”
“Daniel is gone.”
“That does not make this private.”
She looked at the door.
Then she looked at Leo.
