“We’re fine, Mom.”
“We’re keeping everything private.”
“Come after the baby arrives.”
I tried not to feel hurt. Young couples often wanted space, I told myself.
Still, several things seemed unusual.
There were no pregnancy photographs. Daniel never sent pictures of Nora’s growing stomach. Whenever I asked, he showed me only the nursery, folded clothes, tiny socks, painted walls, and the crib.
Once, I asked him directly to send me a photograph of Nora.
After a brief pause, he said she did not feel comfortable being photographed.
I believed him because I wanted to.
Then, before sunrise one morning, Daniel called.
“He’s here,” he said, his voice trembling.
I packed immediately and began the long drive.
When I entered the hospital room, Nora looked exhausted but happy. Daniel’s eyes were red from crying.
Then he lifted a newborn from the bassinet and placed him in my arms.
The baby was
