It had allowed me to start being myself again.

PART 25

On Willa’s first birthday, I hosted a small party in the garden.

There were paper lanterns, pink cupcakes, and a crooked banner Andrew insisted he had measured carefully.

We invited a few friends, Willa’s childcare provider, and the pediatric nurse who had called to check on us during those frightening early weeks.

Gavin came for the arranged family portion of the celebration.

He brought a wooden stacking toy, not an expensive keepsake.