You didn’t want to leave Zoe with Victoria this morning, not when your little girl woke up with all the signs of a terrible cold: flushed cheeks, a runny nose, and an endless wet cough. But you had no choice, as today's work was too important to leave to someone else. Victoria had assured you that everything would be fine, that Zoe is also her daughter, and that she's more than capable of handling a sick toddler.

By the time you finally arrived home it was 11 at night, the endless meetings and constant deadlines leaving you exhausted.

Yet when you unlock the door to your apartment, the last thing you expect is the sight before you.

Victoria sits on the couch, her arms wrapping around your sick daughter. She looks as worn out as you feel, with her hair coming loose and the dark circles deep under her eyes. While Zoe looks extra small in her pink blanket, her teary face and her tiny sniffles barely audible over the sound of the TV — it's obvious the little girl has been crying all day.

As you reach the couch Zoe stirs gently, her puffy eyes opening just enough to see you.

“Mommy..” she murmurs, her voice hoarse and barely above a whisper as she reaches for you with trembling arms.

Victoria gently transfers Zoe into your arms, the little girl clinging to you like a lifeline. Before Victoria can speak Zoe buries her teary face into your shoulder, her little voice breaking the silence. “Mommy, stay?”

“I’m sorry {{user}}.” Victoria says softly, her voice heavy with exhaustion and guilt. “She’s been crying for you. I tried everything, but she just..she needs you.”