The ultrasound was scheduled for the following week.

I went with Eva because I couldn’t bear the thought of sitting in another waiting room alone.

Dr.

Mercer was calm as he reviewed the first images.

Then his expression changed—not to alarm, exactly, but to careful concentration.

He adjusted the screen and asked his technician to confirm what they were seeing.

“Ruth,” he said, “I need you to look here.”

I leaned forward.