“A couple of months,” she answered with a bit of embarrassment. “But it wasn’t just me. Jude and I would trade every other night. I tried to take more than that since he was working, but he refused. He didn’t want me to overdo it. He’s a bit overprotective,” she explained.

“Roman told me about your heart transplant,” I said, hoping I wasn’t overstepping. He hadn’t explained everything, but had mentioned on the way here that his sister-in-law and brother had met in a hospital, while Lailah was waiting for a new heart. They’d fallen in love within the walls of that small hospital room.

“Yes, hence the reason for the overprotectiveness.” She laughed quietly.

“You’re a very brave woman.”

She shrugged, looking down at her daughter with warmth and tenderness. “Bravery comes in all different shapes and sizes. I was given a certain hand in life, and I dealt with it. Sometimes, I’d handle it well, and sometimes, not so well. We all have ups and downs. Shoot, yesterday the grocery store was out of my favorite kind of cereal, and I thought it was the worst day ever. It’s all about perspective.”

“I don’t think anyone can really compare their life to yours,” I said, thinking back to my hall-wandering just a few minutes earlier.

“And they shouldn’t,” she said softly. “Life isn’t about comparing one’s strife to another. It’s about making the most of what you’ve been given. If I sat back and thought about all the hardships I’ve had to endure to get here… right here, it would be overwhelming. Some days, it is overwhelming. But I’m here. I’m living, and I love my life. That’s what it’s all about—loving your life.”

I nodded, watching the rhythm of the rocking chair, as she slowly moved.

“Do you love your life, Cara?” she asked after a few minutes had passed.

“I…” I stumble, trying to find the answer.

Am I happy?

Just as I was about to answer, bloodcurdling baby cries tore through the room as Meara woke.

“Saved by the bell—or baby, I guess I should say.” Lailah laughed. “Would you mind getting me a bottle from the fridge? She fell asleep before I could get her evening feeding in.”

“Sure,” I answered.

“Jude is downstairs in the living room. He’ll give you instructions on how to warm it, if you don’t know how.” Lailah said, trying to soothe the hungry little one.

“I babysat for a few neighbors who still gave bottles. I remember.” I smiled before quietly slipping out of the room.

Was I happy? It was a simple question.

It should be a simple answer.

Yet, as I walked down the long hallway and to the stairs that lead to the kitchen, I couldn’t come up with an answer.