The faint, steady hum of the infusion pump filled the quiet room as the clear fluid began dripping through the thin plastic tubing.

Ethan got up from his armchair and walked around to the other side of the crib.

He reached out a hand, meaning to rest his palm gently on June’s back to comfort her.

I shifted my body, leaning right over the crib rail so his sleeve couldn’t touch June without hitting my shoulder first.

Ethan stopped, his hand hanging in the air between us.

He slowly lowered his arm, his left thumb coming up to touch the silver wedding band on his hand.