Outside, morning light strengthened along the drive.

Inside, Maya described Emma’s habit of waking before her sister.

I listened closely, grateful for a fact I could learn without wondering whether it was the last fact I would ever receive about my family.

But beneath every small question about the babies, another remained.

He was nearby.

Why was he not sitting in this chair?

PART 3 — Come Inside

After breakfast, Maya called Julian to confirm the arrangements.