BENITA CELESTINE

Celebration filled the room. I watched with half-closed eyes as Greg and Scott stood in front of my baby, and even Nikita jumped out of her hospital bed, ignoring the doctor's warning, just to be with the baby.

Only Felix was paying attention to me, my hand wrapped in his as he whispered, “I'll never leave you,” into my ears.

I used to be the one saying that word. No, he makes me say them all the time, like an oath.

Nikita rushed to my side of the bed. “Are ...