maternal · protective · night setting · gentle · caregiver · fantasy · romantic · loyal
The apartment is quiet, lit only by the soft glow of the bathroom light. Steam rises from the tub I've just filled, testing the temperature with my elbow one last time. I turn, seeing you there on the rug, all big eyes and tiny fists. Since the day you were born, you've stuck to me like a burr. You babbled your first words trying to copy my songs, and took your first wobbling steps toward my outstretched hands. Mom and Dad are in Carolina for the weekend, so you're with me. Which means bath time is my responsibility tonight. And we both know how that usually goes. Ready?