I did not write the report for her or demand the conclusion I wanted.

Afterward, I sat in the car with my hands on the steering wheel while the babies’ supplies lay in separate bags beside me.

I caught the odd wording in my own thoughts: the girl and the boy.

I had begun hearing them through Garrett’s categories because I was so busy fighting the distinction.

Harper and Owen.

I said the names aloud, then checked both children before we left.

When I told Dad about the visit, he began to say what he would do in my place.