Then I drove home without stopping at the hospital.

It was the smallest of changes, perhaps, but it was real.

I was beginning to understand that honoring someone’s decision might be more difficult than making a grand gesture, and more valuable.

PART 12

Hannah remained in the hospital for nine days.

She needed rehabilitation for dizziness and headaches, and her doctors arranged further obstetric follow-up.

Her recovery was uneven.

Some mornings she could read and carry on a conversation.