When the past knocks, will you let it in or slam the door shut forever?

——

Lily’s POV

The cold side of the bed greeted me as I rolled toward the edge, reaching under my pillow for my phone. The screen flared to life, harsh against my tired eyes.

5:03 AM.

Right on schedule.

I hadn’t needed an alarm in weeks. My body had adjusted to the rhythm of early motherhood, every cry, every breath, every silence that lasted too long. Rose or Ross would be next. I waited for one of them to summon me with that small, shrill cry that always started my day.

Two months had passed...