The faint, rhythmic hum of the infusion pump filled the quiet room as the clear liquid began dripping through the thin plastic tubing.

Ethan stood up from his armchair and walked around to the opposite side of the crib.

He reached out a hand, intending to rest his palm gently on June’s back to comfort her.

I shifted my body, leaning directly over the crib rail so his sleeve could not brush against June without hitting my shoulder first.

Ethan stopped, his hand hovering in the air between us.

He slowly lowered his arm, his left thumb coming up to touch his silver wedding band on his hand.