Suhani once told Bina that Zack and Deepak are similar in that way, both of them able to maintain a sense of tranquility no matter how charged the situation. This is one of the best things about them. This is one of the most irritating things about them.

“They can’t do that!” Bina says.

Deepak clasps his palms together as if he’s about to give an important lecture. “Maybe everyone should step out so Natasha and I can talk.”

Bina hesitates. It feels wrong to leave Natasha’s side at all. But Deepak’s firm expression tells her it’s what she has to do. Suhani grabs Bina’s hand while Zack puts his arms around her.

“It’ll be okay, Mom,” Anuj says once they’re back in the waiting room.

“He’s right,” Suhani agrees. “And I’ll check on her throughout the day when I’m at work. I can make sure the resident taking care of her is on top of everything. Trust me.”

Suhani hands Bina a printout that has the main psychiatric ward’s visiting hours, rules of the ward (Bina can’t bring anything with cords or sharp edges), and names of the head psychiatrists.

“I don’t understand how Natasha can be depressed,” Bina says. “We’ve given her everything. We’ve given all you kids everything. All Dad and I wanted was to make sure you didn’t struggle the way we did.”

“Mom, depression is a lot more complicated than that. There are a lot of reasons someone can have it. Sometimes people have a chemical imbalance, and that’s not their fault or anyone else’s,” Suhani says. “And just because she didn’t go through what you did doesn’t mean everything’s been easy for her. All of us have had to figure out how to fit in here and worry about honoring everything you and Dad sacrificed. You had things pushing you, motivating you, to make it here. We didn’t. I think Natasha always felt like she wasn’t good enough, like she wasn’t making you proud or happy by being herself. And that’s a lot to carry.”

Bina pulls her cardigan around her. A thought settles into her mind. She tells herself to keep it there, but it emerges as she absorbs the truth of her daughter’s words.

“I’ve been a bad mother.” Bina stares off into the distance. “I really have.”

“Don’t say that!” Suhani says as Anuj gives Bina a side hug. “That’s not true at all. We’ve all had misunderstandings, and now we just need to be there for her.”

Bina’s stomach grumbles. She clutches it and laughs.

“Let me grab you something from the cafeteria. You’ll need your strength,” Zack says. He turns to Suhani. “Do you want anything?”

“No, but I’ll go with you,” Suhani offers.

“It’s okay.” Zack starts walking away. “I’m good.”