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

one with Luna’s name and the other with Leo’s.

Daniel checked the straps on the car seats.

“Seven thirty,” he said. “Friday.”

“I know.”

He tightened one strap.

“What do we tell my mother?”

“Nothing about the birth until the babies are safely delivered.”

He looked toward the hall.

“She will be angry.”

“She can be angry at the door.”

Daniel almost smiled.

“That sounds like you.”

I folded two receiving blankets and placed them into Leo’s bag.

The blue folder remained downstairs.

For the first time, I did not want to know what Vivian thought I was worth.

I wanted the birth to belong to Daniel, the babies, and me.

Daniel carried the second car seat toward the stairs.

“What about the hospital room number?”

“I am not giving it to her.”

He nodded.

“And the key?”

“No.”

He reached the nursery door.

I took the silver house key