LILA

It's been a week since Mom's strange, unexpected death.

Rafael has been nothing short of amazing-protective, sweet, and patient, like the dream version of a dad you wish on shooting stars for. And Derrick... he's slowly getting used to calling me "Mom." Sometimes he still slips and says "Aunt Lila," or even mistakes Ava for his mom, but I get it. He's a child caught in the mess of grown-up decisions. It'll take time-and I've got nothing but time for him.

Three weeks into this pregnancy, and Rafael's been obsessed with the idea of seeing a bump. Like he checks every morning, half-expecting to see a basketball under my...