“She’s perfect,” I whispered, out of breath. “Ryan, go hold your daughter.”
I gripped Nurse Bianca’s hand so tight.
My brother moved slowly, like a man walking through water. The nurse placed the swaddled bundle in his arms, and exited with the others to give us a moment. I watched my twin brother look down at his little girl for the first time.
And I watched his face change as he inspected her.
It wasn’t joy. It wasn’t even shock. It was something worse, something quiet, like a light going out behind his eyes. His shoulders dropped. His mouth opened, then closed.
I watched his face change.
“Ryan?” I said. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
My brother didn’t answer me. He kept staring at the baby, and then, very carefully, he shifted her in his arms and looked at her back.
Melissa was still crying happy tears, wiping her face with the corner of the hospital gown.
