Ethan followed, quietly studying everything.

Sophia had a determined little expression even before she could focus her eyes.

Olivia seemed to relax whenever I spoke to her.

I sent one formal notice through the appropriate channels after their birth.

I received no personal response from Daniel.

So I stopped building my days around whether he might contact us.

Instead, I built routines.

I worked when I could, accepted help when I needed it, and learned that pride was a poor substitute for diapers and groceries.