Joy stepped close enough that the soft rasp of the blanket under Yu's palm brushed against her fingers. She hesitated for a heartbeat, watching the rise and fall of his thin shoulders, the way his lashes rested heavy over his tired eyes.
Quietly, as if afraid the babies might stir, she eased her fingers into his hand. His grip was cool and a little slack at first, but then he squeezed her knuckles faintly—enough to let her know he was listening.
Joy's throat tightened. She studied his face, wondering if he was strong enough to hear it.
'He's just come out of surgery…'
She thought.
'He's still sore, still trying to feed the babies and rest, and now I'm about to drop this on him…'
Her thumb brushed over the back of his hand, a nervous little circle.
"Yu… I need to tell you something."
She began, her voice dropping low so it wouldn't travel beyond the curtained alcove.
