Then she sat beside him and read stories from his favorite picture book.
Her voice sometimes trembled.
But she always finished the page.
Three days after the birthday gala, Dr.
Rivera entered with the first genuinely encouraging news.
“Leo’s infection markers are moving in the right direction.”
I almost stopped breathing.
“What does that mean?”
“It means we’re seeing evidence that the treatment is helping.”
David stood.
“Is his blood pressure stable?”
“It’s much better, and we’re gradually reducing some of the support he needed earlier.”
I looked toward Leo.
His cheeks were no longer the frightening shade they had been during the first night.
For the first time, I allowed myself to imagine bringing him home.
Dr.
Rivera gently reminded us that recovery would take time.
I nodded.
“Take whatever time he needs.”
On the fifth day, the team determined that Leo was ready for a carefully supervised attempt to remove his breathing tube.
