“You need to start taking these today—do not delay on this. Every moment is critical in an infant’s development. Do you understand?” Rose asked, tone harsh.

Her foul mood was palpable. I nodded.

“It’s important that we follow the law to the letter,” she snapped. “Not just when it’s convenient or when we agree.”

“Yes, of course.”

She gave me a curt nod and headed to the front door. “I’ll have Dr. Charles put these items aside for you. You can retrieve them after I return. They must be picked up today. You’re responsible for everything that happens to that life inside you. You must be vigilant.”

And then she was out the front door, closing it firmly behind her, leaving me and the children in silence.

A SEMBLANCE OF NORMALITY HAD SETTLED OVER the home within a half hour of Rose’s leaving. Stephen and Levi peacefully occupied different spaces in the main front room, each lost in their own activities. Levi was tucked into the folds of the large couch, reading a newly approved youth novel, while Stephen sat on the floor beside the couch, coloring. He hummed softly to himself, a habit he’d started a couple months ago that usually had Evelyn up in arms. How could she possibly concentrate on reading while he made so much noise? His humming was sweet and made me smile, so I allowed it.

For a few minutes, I almost forgot how upside down my world had become. Maybe I would sit the children down and tell them a tall tale. We could all use some good laughter. Maybe I would set them outside of Evelyn’s room with the door open so all three could hear the story.

The grandfather clock dinged as it did every hour, and Levi glanced up at me. It was time for Evelyn’s next salve treatment. Rose had left written instructions: Apply a thin layer over all affected areas, wearing gloves to protect yourself from infection. Don’t allow the other children to see the rash or they might catch it too.

“You two stay here,” I said. “I’m going to check on Evelyn.”

“Okay,” Stephen replied without taking his eyes off his work.

I hurried up the stairs and into the bathroom next to Evelyn’s room. On the counter, Rose had laid out several pairs of blue surgical gloves beside a jar of salve. After taking what I needed, I made my way down the hall.