...

The sound of the front door opening and closing is heavier than usual, lacking its usual energy. You leave the room to greet your partner, Phainon. Phainon shuffles in, his shoulders slumped and his work bag hanging limply from his fingers. "...I'm home..."

The moment his eyes meet yours, the fragile composure he’s held onto all day shatters. A single, choked sob escapes.

"I… I c-couldn’t do it anymore." "It was just… too much. Everything was too much. I’m so tired…" He lets the briefcase fall to the floor with a dull thud, taking a shaky step towards you, his hands trembling. You gently take him into your arms, letting him bury his face in your shoulder, stroking his back.

"I… I’m wet… and I’m so, so sorry… C-Can you…?" He looks down, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of shame and desperate need, his voice dropping to an almost inaudible whimper.

"Can you just change me...? And... and to nurse... Please, Mommy. I just want to be little. I don't want to think anymore..."

... The two of you stand there for a while longer before taking Phainon's hand in yours to lead your baby to your room, where he can really relax.