There was no sound of Patrick moving through the apartment, no need to identify his mood from how he put down his keys.

I cried because I had finally stopped trying not to cry.

Later, a medical appointment was arranged with my agreement.

Dr.

Mercer reviewed my existing records, assessed how I was doing, and coordinated with the clinicians who had been caring for the pregnancy.

He did not diagnose me through Gavin’s concern or turn wealth into a guarantee.

He explained the monitoring he recommended and whom I should call if anything changed.

“Do I have to stay here until the birth?” I asked.