On the morning Hope finally left the hospital, the sky over Phoenix was clear and pale.

Hannah buckled her into the approved car seat while a nurse checked that the family understood their discharge instructions.

Lucas carried the bag of supplies, and I held the folded blanket Mason had chosen.

“Ready?” Hannah asked.

“No,” Lucas said, then added quickly, “but I know the steps and I can ask for help.”

She gave him a long look.

“That’s a better answer.”