242 Ghosts

(Winona)

The day after the gala has been all about family, just the way it should be. Jayden and I spent the morning with Abby, Bobby, and Sarah, playing in the park and eating ice cream.

The joy on their faces brought a kind of peace that we’ve both needed after everything that’s been happening.

Now, as the sun dips lower in the sky, we’re in the neonatal ward, sitting beside baby Henry, watching as the nursing staff tries him on a bottle feed.

It’s always nerve-wracking, watching these tiny milestones. Every time he does something new, I feel like I’m holding my breath. Today is no different.

Jayden’s standing next to me, his hands clenched tightly around the edge of the crib as he watches Henry struggle to figure out how to suck and breathe at the same time.

“Come on, little buddy. Take a drink.”

Henry’s so small, his little body looking even more fragile with the bottle at his lips. The nurse guides it carefully, her eyes trained on him, ready to pull it away at the first sign of