Norma wasn’t impressed. “Wasting time on childish crafts instead of resting.” Inside me, a quiet fire awakened. “We’ll be okay,” I whispered to my belly. “Mama’s learning how to fight softly.”

By my fourth month, the tension between Darren and me was thick. His mother and sister visited almost daily, their criticism disguised as advice. “You shouldn’t eat this.” “Let Darren handle finances now that you’re emotional.”