At dawn, in Lei’s big empty bed, I wrestled with sleep. The night had been long, and at times, the bedroom had seemed like a forgotten chamber in an abandoned fortress. Lei hadn’t come to bed. Of course, I’d checked on him a few times. He’d tell me he was better, but to leave him. And I had.
Lying on my side, facing the window, I watched the tree sway in the small courtyard. The snow had melted. The weather seemed warmer, and I thought of the baby—Andrew. Then it dawned on me to check my phone. I reached for it on the nightstand. I had four new messages that contained the same question. How is Lei? I typed my reply to all four and sent a copy to those who had written. Lou, Lorraine, Al, and of course, Louie.
We had a rough night, but we’re going to be okay. Lei hasn’t slept much, so plea
