*Olivia*

“Peek-a-boo!” I yelled, sending Elio into a fit of screaming giggles.

My phone rang, vibrating the coffee table I’d left it on.

“Mama’s gotta check her phone,” I cooed as I scooped him up.

The pediatrician had said that the more we talked to him, the quicker he would pick up language, and that meant I spent about half my days chattering away at him.

I bent to scoop up the phone. Sal’s name lit the screen, though I ...