Kevin caught my eye across the narrow gap between the monitor stand and the bed.

“She can do it on her own?”

“She’s already doing a lot of it,” the doctor said.

He stepped closer to the plastic box and turned a blue dial on the side panel by two hair-widths.

“Your daughter is stronger than she looks.”

The rhythm of the machine shifted, dropping in pitch to a soft, steady sigh that matched the quiet rise of Rosalie’s ribs.

Dr.