He wouldn’t stop crying.

Shauna couldn’t tell if he was hungry or if the cold had somehow gotten to his little body, but the baby’s crying had gotten to the group, causing irritation and restless nights as their hunger mounts.

“Shhh,” Shauna cooed, but it sounded pleading as she gently pet his cheek. “Please..”

It was the middle of the night and she had escaped to the attic hoping to somehow give the others a break from the nonstop crying, but she knew it wouldn’t be enough.

“Come on, please,” Shauna pleaded, kisses the top of her baby’s head and closing her eyes, rocking him back and forth hoping the motion would somehow be soothing even if it seemed to make his crying even worse.

She was too distracted to hear you climbing up the ladder, you too tired and hungry.

When Shauna saw you, she wanted to break down. “He won’t stop.”