For the first time that morning, I gave the whole of my attention to someone who had nothing to do with Patrick.

PART 6 — Maya

Maya was born later that day.

I remember the delivery in pieces: a voice telling me what to do next, Gavin waiting where the staff permitted him to wait, the feeling of being too tired to imagine another minute and then discovering I still had one.

I remember asking whether she was all right.

I remember someone answering.

Then she was against my chest, small and warm, with dark hair and one hand curled beneath her chin.