We drove to the Aspen Pediatric Recovery Center in silence, the heater in the SUV humming softly.

When we arrived, Dr. Amelia Hart met us in the lobby.

“How are they?” Benjamin asked, his voice tight with anxiety.

“They are resting,” Dr. Hart said, giving him a reassuring smile.

“Emma and Lily are awake,” she added.

“They’ve been asking for you, Benjamin,” she said.

We walked down the quiet, carpeted hallway toward the private recovery suite.

Through the glass window, I could see the four girls.

They were sitting together on a large hospital bed, wrapped in soft blankets.

Emma was reading a book aloud, her voice low and soothing.

Benjamin stopped at the door, his hand hovering over the silver handle.

His fingers were trembling.

“Go on,” I whispered.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Daddy,” Lily cried out, her small face lighting up.

Benjamin fell to his knees by the side of the bed, wrapping his arms around all four of them.

I watched from the doorway, a lump forming in my throat as I saw them cling to him.