222 A Parent's Love

(Jayden)

I stand in the Brennan wing of the hospital. I’m going into the smaller unit to meet with Ashlyn’s Mom.

Ashlyn is in there as well and I know that her Mom, as her next of kin, has to sign the papers that will let the doctors turn off the life support.

This has to be hard for Mrs. Carter. I let myself in the door and went to the living area. I don’t want to interrupt her personal time with Ashlyn in the bedroom.

I hear voices, and I guess the medical staff are updating her.

I named the baby after Ashlyn’s father, as a small gesture of respect, something that might offer some comfort to Mrs. Carter.

But as soon as Mrs. Carter walks into the room, I feel the tension. She’s a tall woman, her posture rigid, with a coldness in her eyes that immediately puts me on edge. She looks perfect, too perfect.

The kind of perfect that you know is bought and paid for.

“Mrs. Carter,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “Thank you for coming. I wanted you to know that I named the baby after Ashly