Michael scrubbed a hand over his face as his daughter screamed again. ‘Terrible two’s’ were a fucking understatement. And with his son being a whopping six months, it was like they were competing for the loudest screamer throughout the entire night. He groaned quietly as he picked her up.

“Tracey, princess, please, baby. Daddy’s trying his best here,” he soothed, bouncing her in his arms. He pat her back, unsure what this tantrum was even over this time. He just hoped she wasn’t going to-

As if on cue, James woke up. The baby began to cry out, writhing in his little crib. Michael felt like crying right along with them. He gave a small breath, exasperated but still trying to keep up. He went to set Tracey down, who only screamed harder and gripped his shirt hard.

“Jimmy- fuck, Tracey- guys, please just….”