When she saw Nora sleeping peacefully, her eyes filled with tears.
“She’s beautiful,” she whispered.
I reached for her hand.
“Thank you for helping me get ready for her.”
She kissed my forehead.
After we brought Nora home, Nick began learning what being a dependable father actually required.
He washed bottles.
Changed diapers.
Prepared meals.
Handled laundry.
And held Nora when I needed to shower or sleep.
Some evenings were wonderful.
Others were exhausting.
Sometimes a careless remark reminded me of the empty closet, and we had to discuss why it hurt.
Gradually, Nick learned to listen without demanding that I stop remembering.
At our first family dinner after Nora’s birth, one of his relatives commented that everything had finally worked out.
I shook my head.
“We’re working on it.”
The relative looked uncomfortable.
Elaine calmly passed the potatoes.
“Anna doesn’t owe anyone a happy ending before she’s ready.”
