Meanwhile Eleanor sent messages to relatives insisting Maya was refusing to let her see her grandson.

My aunt Ruth forwarded one to me with a note: “I don’t know what happened.

Is Maya all right?”
Ruth had always been gentle with Maya.

I called her and explained only what Maya had permitted me to share.

I did not send hospital photographs or personal medical details.

When Ruth asked whether she could bring groceries, I checked with Maya first.

“Yes,” Maya said.