He did not try to present the changes as a grand moral transformation.
He simply sent Daniel the policies and said they would be reviewed every year.
I knew better than to confuse a policy with a changed person.
At our next prenatal appointment, the doctor told me the baby had grown well.
The possible concern remained uncertain, but there was no reason to change the birth plan.
I felt my knees weaken with relief.
Alexander was beside me when the doctor said it.
He exhaled slowly and lowered his gaze.
I reached for my coat.
He did not touch my arm.
Outside, he asked, “Would you like me to drive you home?”
“No, thank you.”
“All right.”
I began to walk toward Daniel’s car.
“Claire,” Alexander said.
I turned.
“I’ll be there if you ask,” he said. “And I’ll stay away if you don’t.”
For the first time, I believed he understood that the choice belonged to me.
