The first thing I did after my mother hung up was turn off the sound of my phone.

It was not a brave act.

It was the only way I knew to keep from answering another call and begging again.

Noah slept in the bassinet next to my bed, and I watched his chest rise beneath the blue blanket.

The light from the hospital corridor made a pale rectangle on the floor.

When my mother called, I let the phone ring until it stopped.

She tried again.