The baby’s first cry pierced the silence, filling the sterile room with life. Yet Olivia didn’t look toward the bassinet. She stared at the ceiling, shaking her head. When Elise leaned in to reassure her, she caught her wrist and whispered, voice trembling, “Please… don’t tell him yet.”
“Don’t tell whom, sweetheart?” Elise asked quietly, but she wouldn’t answer. Her fingers tightened around her wrist before slipping away, limp with exhaustion. The doctor and the nurse exchanged uncertain glances. Protocol demanded they notify the family, but something in her plea made them hesitate.