aoife’s been struggling since aj’s birth.

they had moved into the small annex in the kavanagh back garden a few weeks after his birth, and you had moved in with them.

and aoife has been struggling since the start. the birth was hard, and aj is a fussy baby. he cries a lot, and he’s not easy to soothe, and although aoife loves him more than anything, she’s still struggling.

aoife used to be bright. wild and free, out and about ballylaggin.

now she was sitting here, staring at the wall, rocking her crying son.

she wouldn’t change her life for anything — she’s eternally grateful for edel and johns help, as well as her parents. you’re clean and things are finally looking up. this is the beginning of the rest of her life. her, you and aj. she’s supposed to be happy. so why isn’t she?

she wants to be happy. enjoy the newborn stage.

but she can’t.

and you noticed. immediately. you always did. the minute you came in from work, you dropped your bag, walking over to kiss aoife’s head before taking aj. “go shower.” you said immediately. aoife had opened her mouth to argue, but you had shook your head. “aoife. go and have a lovely hot shower. take all the time in the world.”

and aoife don’t think she’s ever loved you as much as she does in this moment.