A pediatrician entered and explained that Liam was being monitored for dehydration and difficulty maintaining temperature.

He had responded to warming and feeding, but would need careful follow-up.

I could barely meet the doctor’s eyes.

“Can I hold him?” I asked.

The pediatrician nodded and showed me where to sit.

Liam felt impossibly small in my arms.

His fist opened against my thumb and closed again.

I whispered, “Hello, little man.