When Saving Is Killing
It showed a small hand placed gently against a baby's back, sliding from top to bottom in a soft, soothing motion.
Next to the sketch, I had added a footnote: Mom says Leo is tiny and his bones are soft. Do not pat too hard.
Dad’s arms went completely rigid around his son.
He looked down at the paper, adjusted his grip and began mimicking the drawing exactly, sliding his palm smoothly down Leo’s back.
Slowly, Leo’s frantic cries began to subside.
Within minutes, the living room was quiet except for the baby's soft, rhythmic hiccups.
Mom covered her mouth with both hands, tears spilling through her tightly clenched fingers, staining the cuffs of her sleeves.