— I’m sure he’ll love everything you show him, Élise replied, brushing a strand of hair aside. You’re going to be an extraordinary big brother.

Léo pressed his ear against his mother’s belly. A firm kick struck his cheek. He froze, then burst out laughing.
— He said hello!

At that moment, Marc rushed in, his tie crooked, briefcase in hand. He kissed Élise, ruffled Léo’s hair, and said:
— Just a few more days, champ, and your little brother will be here.

But the next day, everything changed.

In the middle of the afternoon, Élise collapsed in the kitchen. The crash alarmed Léo, who ran to her. She lay on the floor, pale, gasping.
— Call… an ambulance, she whispered.