Arianne and Lexx stayed at the hospital for three more days.
The doctors wanted to observe them both: Arianne for her recovery, Lexx for the standard newborn checks every baby went through before being discharged. It was routine, they said. Nothing to worry about. Franz worried anyway, but he was learning to manage it, channeling the anxiety into practical action the way he'd learned to do during the pregnancy.
Only close family visited. The twins came every afternoon with Vincent and Amanda, their faces bright with excitement each time they pushed open the door. Lily brought a different book each day, determined to read to the baby even when he slept through most of her performances. Leo stationed himself beside the bassinet like a small, watchful guard, his eyes on his brother with an intensity he brought to everything.
