As the hospital doors closed behind me with a soft whoosh, I stepped out into the bright day. I raised my hand and a yellow cab pulled up. The city around me was abuzz with activity and life, but on the inside, I felt a quiet happiness. I told the driver to take me downtown.

The cab weaved through traffic, and soon, I was at a small café in the heart of the city that Alice had recommended. As I waited for my lemonade refresher and sandwich, I rested my hand on my stomach, feeling the ...