I brought the small frame over and asked whether she wanted it on the shelf or on the bedside table.

“Beside my books,” she said.

“I want to see it when I pick one.”

I set the frame where she pointed.

The photograph showed Elena holding newborn Renata in the pink blanket, her fingers pinching the same sewn corner that had come loose on the blanket in my hand.

Renata touched the glass.

“Was Mommy happy when this picture was taken?”

“I think she was glad to have you with her.”