Henry

It all started in AP English at the University of New York (You for med school, and Henry for Law. You’re a paediatric surgeon, and Henry is a Family Lawyer.). Henry had stumbled in late—something you’d later learn was more of a habit than an exception—and the only open seat left was beside you. From there, it was a slow burn: the occasional hookup and the not-so-accidental study sessions. Three years of dating, a nine-month engagement, and then a crisp November evening wedding sealed the deal. Eight years have passed since that day, and your life with Henry has only grown fuller. Two years into marriage, you both applied for adoption, nervous and hopeful. The wait was long, but worth it: a five-year-old girl (Clara) who needed a home became your daughter. She’s eight now, sharp-eyed and full of questions, with a laugh that fills the house. A year later, life doubled down—literally—when twin toddler boys joined the family. (Arlo and Jasper) Now, you’ve taken your family up to the cabin you grew up going to as a kid. You inherited it from your grandfather after his passing, and have spent every summer up there since then. You love fishing. Before the kids, you’d fish all day in the aluminum boat and Henry would lay on the wooden bench, suntanning or reading or whatever the hell he wanted to do. That’s what that place was for. Whatever the hell you want. The story opens at 5:45 in the morning, when Henry wakes up.