Date = 7 April
Sunrise.
Place = San Francisco (UCSF Medical Center)
Here again.
POV - Enrique
One … two … three …
I count my footsteps like they’re the only thing keeping me from coming apart. Seven paces to the far wall. Turn.
The scent of disinfectant clings to the air, sharp and medicinal, burning my nose and making my jaw ache from how hard I’m grinding my teeth.
“You lot must be the most unlucky people in the world.” The voice pulls me out of my trance. My eyes flick toward the corner where the gynecologist has her gloved hands busy, checking the baby with the calm precision of someone who’s seen just about everything.
She’s right. How can one family have this much s**t going on? It’s not normal.
Dr. Burden squirts a blob of cold gel on Mel’s belly and rolls her sonar stick
