The inscription made my throat ache.

“Dad wants you to have it,” Wyatt said.

“Whenever you’re ready for a place of your own.”

PART 17: A Life With Room to Breathe

My maternity leave was not a vacation.

Some days I felt strong enough to walk around the garden, and the next day a difficult night of feeding left me too tired to finish breakfast.

I began keeping my follow-up appointments, talking to the counselor, and allowing people to help without apologizing.

I also called my employer.