My husband started to speak, and Dr.

Ackerman raised one hand.

“I need everyone to stop,” he said.

“The baby’s condition comes first.

And the child who witnessed this is not going to be argued with in my treatment room.”

A nurse guided Poppy to stand close against my side, and I put my free arm around her, and felt how hard she was still trembling under her school jacket, this small person who had carried this by herself for who knew how long.

Toby’s thin whimper scraped against every nerve I had.