I took a step toward the gurney. The fluorescent light in the delivery room fell directly on the child\u2019s face, highlighting the purplish mark like a cruel spotlight.<\/p>\n
Melissa\u2019s eyes widened. Her hands, which seconds ago had been caressing her firstborn, now clenched the sheets. The starched fabric creaked beneath her manicured fingers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026\u201d Melissa\u2019s voice failed. She swallowed hard, her lips tightening into a thin line. \u201cWhat is that on his face?\u201d<\/p>\n
I stopped mid-stride. My arms instinctively pressed the baby against my chest. The child had stopped crying, as if he, too, sensed the shift in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a birthmark, Mrs. Thornton,\u201d I said, my voice steady despite the sudden dryness in my throat. \u201cA benign vascular malformation. It poses no health risk whatsoever. Over time, it may fade. There are laser treatments that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
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