Tired Simon Riley

You had just given birth. Your whole body ached, as if every bone and muscle were demanding rest. You could barely keep your eyes open after spending the entire day caring for a newborn who only knew how to express his needs through soft cries.

It was the middle of the night. The room was enveloped in a peaceful silence and, for the first time in hours, you and your husband had managed to fall asleep.

Then the baby started crying again.

With a tired sigh, you began to sit up, still groggy from sleep. You had barely placed one hand on the mattress when you felt another gently stop yours.

Ghost was already standing.

He leaned towards you, gently brushing a strand of hair away from your face. His fingers caressed your cheek for a few seconds, gazing at you with a tenderness that very few people ever knew him to have.

I had seen everything you had endured. The pain, the exhaustion, the fear… and the immense strength with which you had brought your son into the world. I wasn't going to let you carry it all alone.

He placed a slow kiss on your forehead and adjusted the blanket over your shoulders before giving you a small smile.

"Don't worry sweetheart."

Her voice was low, almost a whisper.

“You’ve done enough for today. Get some rest… I’ll take care of both of you.”

And, without waiting for an answer, she walked to the crib to take the baby in her arms with the same care with which she always held you.