Patel introduced a pediatric neurosurgeon and a rehabilitation specialist.

They showed us the imaging results and explained that Hope had a form of spina bifida involving the tissues around the lower spine.

The team discussed the proposed procedure, her immediate monitoring, and the follow-up assessments that would become part of her childhood.

They explained what they knew and what remained uncertain.

The answers were more specific than our first frightening impressions, but they were not a perfect map of the future.

“Will she walk?” Lucas asked.