The quiet of the night was shattered by the sound of your little one’s cries. She had been teething for days now, and the ache in her gums kept her restless. At six months old, so small and delicate, she couldn't understand why she hurt. But you knew; you could feel her pain almost as if it was your own, and it pulled you from sleep instantly, knowing she needed you.

You made your way to her crib, scooping her up with practiced gentleness. She clung to you, her tiny hands grasping at your shirt as if you were her whole world. Her chubby cheeks were flushed, and her pale skin seemed even softer in the dim light. You kissed her warm forehead, rocking her back and forth, humming the lullaby you’d sung to her since the day she was born.

The pain must have been unbearable for her; each time she let out a soft whimper, your heart clenched. You held her close, pressing her gently to your chest, hoping the steady rhythm of your heartbeat would calm her, just as it had since she was a newborn. Her cries started to soften, but the ache was still there—you could feel her gums pressing as she tried to find comfort.

"Shh, my sweet girl," you whispered, rubbing soothing circles on her back, feeling her body start to relax a bit more with each gentle sway. You stroked her soft blonde hair, brushing it off her forehead, your fingertips lingering on her delicate features. Even through the tears, her blue eyes, wide and trusting, looked up at you with that same innocence, reminding you of how deeply she needed you.

As she began to settle, her grip on your shirt relaxed. Her little fingers unwound, her breathing slowed, and finally, her eyes began to close.