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Sydney and I haven’t discussed our mom since we left the diner that day. I never asked what exactly they talked about when I left or if it altered Sydney’s opinion of her at all. She never offered a recap of the conversation.
We both knew her death was a ticking clock. Just not when it would expire. And I’m not sure if it’s ironic or fitting, that it happened tonight.
Sydney lost her mom the same night she became one.
“I think she would want to know,” Cassia says.
I nod.
That’s all we say until Harrison reappears. There’s a look of wonder on his face and a suspicious sheen in his eyes.
“You go ahead,” Cassia says softly.
I glance at her. “You sure?”
“Yeah, Uncle.” She smiles.
I smile back before I stand and walk down the hall to the right room.
Sydney is sitting up in bed. Her hair is sweaty, the pieces not pulled back sticking to her temples. But she’s beaming down at the bundle in her arms, looking happier than I can recall seeing her in a long time.
I walk over to the side of the bed, staring down at the tiny person she’s holding. “Wow.”
“Right?”
“She’s perfect, Syd.”
My sister smiles. “I think so. You want to hold her?”
“Uh.” I clear my throat. “Sure.”
Sydney carefully transfers the baby to my arms. She’s lighter than I’m expecting. And warmer. I can feel the heat of her skin through the cotton blanket she’s swaddled in.
“Does she have a name yet?”
“No. I thought I’d know once I looked at her. But so far, nothing.”
I swallow and nod, tucking her blanket beneath my arm.
“Where’s Cassia?”
“She’s here. She just, um, she wanted to give us a minute.” I sigh, staring down at the peaceful features of my niece. “I, um…”
“Did you guys win the game? I saw some of the texts, then got distracted.” Sydney nods toward her daughter, smiling.
“Yeah, we won. But I—Syd, she’s gone.”
I watch those words slowly register on my sister’s face.
“What? How do you know?”
“Her doctor came and told me. It happened tonight.”
She exhales and looks away.
“I’m sorry, Syd.”
“Why are you apologizing? Don’t apologize.”
