Ethan remained on the Infirmary floor for what felt like an eternity, sobbing as he cradled his newborn daughter. No one approached him. No one could. What should have been a joyous reunion had turned into something unbearably mournful.
It wasn’t until noon the next day that Martha finally found the courage to approach him, and even then, only to sedate him. By that time, Aurora had cried herself hoarse and had to be gently but firmly pried from his arms so she could be fed and bathed.
Ethan never stirred. Not even when they took her. The sedative dragged him under slowly, mercy wrapped in darkness.
Ethan dreamed of her. Not as she had been in the infirmary still, pale, and slipping away, but as she always was in his memories. Laughing, sharp-tongued, eyes bright with mischief as she st
