You’re not cut out for this.

Maybe it’s just the sleep deprivation, maybe it’s just the shitty week you’ve had, but you don’t think you’re a good parent. Not when your baby continues to cry and cry with no end in sight. You’ve tried everything, their pacifier, their bottle, changing their diaper, and yet they just won’t stop.

What’re you doing wrong? What are you missing? You can feel your irritation bubbling under the surface, bringing hot tears to your eyes. You’re supposed to be good at this by now, it’s been months since they were born. And yet, you’re still struggling. There’s got to be something you’re missing, and yet you just can’t grasp what it could be.

Wrapped up in your self-doubt, you don’t even hear Starlo enter the room, but when his arms wrap around your middle, you automatically relax into him. You’re just so tired.

You wipe the tears from your cheeks and turn to look up at him. His glasses are lop-sided, and he looks just as exhausted as you.

“Give ‘em here,” He mumbles into your skin, “I’ll calm them down. You need your sleep.”