"Why isn't he crying?" My voice broke as I held my son close.

"Ava, that child didn't survive." Looking at my friend's heartbroken eyes, I shook my head stubbornly.

"Stop saying that. He's just quiet because he wants to hear a lullaby. Once I sing to him, he'll open his eyes." I sang through my tears for several minutes, but the child didn't respond at all.

Outside the room, Marcus stood frozen. My heartbroken cries cut through his soul like a knife. He leaned against the wall, his legs ...