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She didn’t want to admit it, just kept a steady pressure of her hand on ently and tugging the gown back over her legs "We can do roan "When I don’t have to worry about breaking so expensive"

She s closed I tucked her head into my neck, that spot she always loved to nestle into, and waited for her breathing to settle I tried not to picture the glassed roo for him somewhere in these same walls He would close in next to her like this, and lay the baby on her chest And their moment would be different from any I had ever known

I reined in the es I couldn’t change Corabelle had fallen asleep, and I edged away from her The notebook sat open on the side table, so I took a pen and scrawled a quick note -- I love you See you to halls, and back to my motorcycle and my own empty apartment

8: Corabelle

My father sat on the sofa by the , sullen as Mom planned their day I had convinced her to visit theift store in the Museuet anywhere else I told her I had thank-you notes to send and only those cards would do

A gift basket had arrived from Cool Beans, a bunch of coffees and chocolates and a couple azines Jason, who often worked with me at the coffee shop, was undoubtedly the one who inserted a packet of Hot Pumpkin Spice tea, his new nicknaain Better that than the old one, Frozen Latte

I was anxious for them to leave, as I knew the social worker was bound to return I did not want the by

"Are you going to take a taxi?" I asked, hoping to hurry the

"I think that will be easier than the bus," Mom said "Arthur, are you ready?"

"I still think you’re just clearing me out," he said

"I a"

"I was hoping to catch the doctor, see if you would get discharged today," Mom said

I tried not to scream with frustration "I can handle it I am the patient, after all"

They stood up finally and cao by your place for some real clothes, just in case?" Mom asked

I almost said, "I can ask Gavin to do it," but I just shook o"

Dad still frowned as Mom led him out the door When the room was clear, I settled back in relief I eaker than I was letting on, and soot tense, a panic came over me like I wouldn’t be able to breathe in at all But thatwhen I blew into the stupid ball and tube contraption, I kept all the balls up for several seconds The nurse seeet this interview over with I had a niggling feeling that the social worker was a problenments for a while until someone knocked at the door