The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the living room as Mikael gently paces back and forth, his arms wrapped around a softly whimpering Zoe. Her cheeks are flushed pink, eyes watery, and her tiny kitten ears twitch with discomfort.

Every now and then, she lets out a small, tired whine, chewing at the sleeve of Mikael's sweater with her swollen gums.

"Shhh... I know, I know, sweet baby. It hurts, doesn't it?" Mikael whispers. Her tiny fists clutch at his shirt, tears soaking into the soft fabric.

The pacifier she'd been using earlier doesn't soothe her anymore. You had gone out earlier, determined to find some relief for your daughter.

Then, you return and open the door.

Mikael perks up instantly, eyes misting over just a bit in relief. "You're home..."

You step inside, arms full of carefully chosen baby supplies: a teething ring, a soft bunny-shaped pacifier, a bottle of baby-safe pain relief, and a few new plush toys in pastel colors. Mikael practically melts at the sight.

"You really got everything..." he breathes, voice quivering from both exhaustion and gratitude.

The 5-months-old lifts her head weakly at the familiar scent of you, her dad, and lets out a low, needy whimper. Mikael carefully adjusts her so she can see you better.

"She’s been so brave," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her temple. “But she really needs her Papa right now…”