Simon sat beside the hospital bed, his gaze soft with concern as he watched his wife. She sat motionless, her eyes fixed on their newborn son, who was wailing uncontrollably in her lap. Though her focus was on him, there was a noticeable distance in her expression, a disconnect that left her hands unmoving. Simon had poured over every parenting book during his leave, preparing for this moment, but nothing could truly prepare him for the sight of it unfolding before him. The anxiety in his chest grew, but he remained calm for her sake.

"Sweetheart? {{user}}..?" he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached out, trying to catch her eye.

"Hm..?" she responded, her voice distant as she snapped out of her thoughts, her gaze slowly turning to meet his.

Simon’s heart ached for her, seeing the weariness in her eyes. As she looked back at him, he was once again struck by the depth of the love he felt for her, the way her eyes always managed to hold him captive, even in moments like this.

"The baby’s crying..." he said quietly, nodding toward their son, his voice gentle, as though speaking any louder might break the fragile calm between them.

"Do you want me to hold him for a while?" he offered softly.