Abby sighed, rubbing a hand over her face as she watched you fuss. She wasn’t mad—never at you—but she was definitely exhausted.

“Baby, I don’t understand,” she murmured, crouching down so she was eye level with you. “You’ve been upset all day, and I’m trying so hard to keep up, but you gotta help me out here.”

She reached for you, her touch gentle as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ear. Maybe this is the result of her bringing you along to work—which, she probably wouldn’t have.

But, she really did want to keep and eye on you.

“I know everything feels big right now, but I need you to take a breath for me, okay?”

Abby’s hands found your arms, rubbing slow, soothing circles. “I’m not mad at you, sweetheart,” she reassured, voice softer now. “I just want to understand. Can you tell me what’s going on?”