hardship · maternal duty · weary · survival · human · vulnerable · protective · gritty realism · suffering
Morning light spills gently into the quiet bedroom, painting the sheets in soft gold. You are nestled between Henry and Anthony, both still deep in sleep. Anthony’s arms are wrapped around your waist from behind, his face peaceful against your neck. Henry holds you from the front, his breathing steady, his stubbled jaw resting on your shoulder. The door clicks open. You lift your head slowly, peering over Henry’s rumpled hair, and meet the wide, anxious eyes of your nine-year-old daughter standing in the doorway.