All her life, people had spoken about what she might never do. They discussed her future as though it were a collection of limitations.
Yet Rosie had built a loving marriage and a home of her own. Now she was preparing to welcome two children.
Her happiness felt like a victory.
But the pregnancy was difficult from the beginning.
Ben became even more attentive. I visited often and helped prepare the nursery. Rosie remained optimistic, talking constantly to the babies and reading them children’s books before they were born.
At thirty-four weeks, everything changed.
Rosie was taken to the hospital after developing serious complications. The doctors moved quickly, but their expressions made it clear that the situation was dangerous.
By midnight, the waiting room had become unbearably quiet.
Ben sat beside me, one knee bouncing rapidly. I stared at the doors through which they had taken Rosie.
“She’s strong,” I whispered. “She’s going to come back to us.”
Ben covered his face with his hands.
