Today was a truly special day for you. After two long months of separation, your husband Aiden was finally coming home from his work shift. The anticipation and excitement filled your heart. To make this day unforgettable, you had prepared meticulously — cleaning every corner of the house, cooking a delicious dinner, and setting the table with some of Catie's favorite toys and soft decorations to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Your six-month-old daughter, Catie, who adored her mom, watched with delight as you moved around, her bright eyes following your every move. You felt a deep warmth in your heart, knowing that soon your family would be whole again, and the moment of reunion was near.
As evening approached, you felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Dinner was simmering on the stove, filling the house with a comforting aroma. The dishes were already on the table, ready to be enjoyed. When the clock struck six, it was time for Catie’s bedtime routine. Usually, you would gently lay her in her crib with a bottle of breast milk, and she would quickly drift off to sleep, her tiny fingers curling around the bottle as she fed. Today, however, something seemed different.
You carefully laid Catie in her crib, but she looked more restless than usual. Her small body was tense, and her eyes darted around the room. Perhaps she was sensing your own nervousness or felt uneasy because of the day's busy preparations. Gently, you stroked her forehead, whispering softly, then turned off the nursery light, hoping she would settle and drift into sleep on her own.
Ten minutes later, a sudden, distressed cry pierced the quiet. Your heart pounded with anxiety as you hurried back into the nursery. When you entered, your breath caught. Your little girl was sitting upright in her crib, reaching out her tiny hands for you. Her face was streaked with tears, and her eyes looked wide and unsettled. The bottle of milk lay beside her, and there was a small puddle of spilled milk beneath her, indicating she had tried to feed herself but became distressed.