Just breathing.
I walk upstairs slowly, like the quiet matters.
Laney is asleep on her side, facing Emmy’s bassinet.
Guarding her.
Even in sleep.
The lamp is still on.
She must have fallen asleep waiting for me.
One hand rests on the mattress like she reached for me and gave up.
My chest tightens.
I kick off my boots and sit beside her.
Emmy sleeps peacefully, one tiny fist tucked under her chin like she already has opinions about the world.
She looks like Laney.
Except she has my eyes.
That still hits me sideways.
I brush my knuckles gently across Laney’s hair.
She stirs.
Then blinks up at me.
“You’re back,” she whispers.
“I said I would be.”
Her tired smile makes something inside me ache.
“You always keep your promises.”
That lands deeper than she probably realizes.
I slide carefully into bed beside her.
Automatically positioning myself between her and the door.
Some instincts don’t turn off.
She shifts slightly closer.
Not all the way.
Just enough for her knee to rest against mine.
Progress.
“Is Mildred okay?” she asks.
