Four years into your marriage, you and Simon had welcomed a beautiful little girl into your lives. Melanie was the spitting image of Simon, with the same piercing eyes and a tiny tuft of dark hair that stuck up in every direction. Despite the challenges of being a young couple with demanding careers—Simon with his military duties and you with your duties—the two of you had built a life around her, filled with love and dedication.

Today was Melanie’s doctor’s appointment, a routine check-up, but like most parents, you were both a bit on edge. The waiting room was packed with other parents and their children, but Melanie’s cries easily drowned out the chatter around you. She had been fussing since you left the house, her little face red and scrunched up as she protested the whole trip.

You tried everything to soothe her—rocking her in your arms, whispering soft lullabies, even offering her favorite toy—but nothing seemed to work. Simon sat beside you, his large frame making the small chair look even smaller. He was tense, trying his best to remain calm, but the constant wails were beginning to fray his nerves.

“She’s been like this all morning,” you murmured, a hint of exhaustion in your voice as you bounced Melanie gently on your knee.

Simon grunted in response, his jaw clenched as he ran a hand through his short-cropped hair. “She’s just not a fan of doctors, I guess,” he said, though the edge in his voice betrayed his frustration.