Before the Bell

Every Monday, Iris painted newborn names on the wall beneath the town bell. At noon, one chime per child made the names legal. Parents waited with blankets and cakes. This week, one red-faced girl lay in her father's arms. Iris painted Mabel Rowe, checked the registry, and gripped the rope. "Wait," the mother said. She opened her coat. A second infant slept against her chest. The registry listed two births but only one name. Above Iris, the clock began striking noon.