(Aurora's POV)
"Neither did I."
I'd been surprised when Phineas had spread the old records across the study desk, running his finger down a page of names I'd never heard before. When I asked why he didn't just use the full name, he'd looked up and said, simply, that a nickname felt closer.
That was all. Just that.
I hadn't been able to say anything for a while after.
The hospital room was busy for the first few days. Eleanor and William came together, both of them dressed like they were attending something important, which I supposed they were. Grandmother Joyce came with family, and the Langfords sent flowers and a card and then, eventually, themselves. The room got crowded and warm and full of voices.
After the third day, Phineas started turning people away at the door.
"You need
