Still, having Margaret there meant she didn’t need to worry about daytime child care, at least. Her experience as a nurse was also reassuring. Margaret observed Olivia’s health condition closely and provided advice when necessary. While waiting at a traffic light, Emily checked the messages that had arrived on her phone. It was from Margaret.
Olivia is in very good spirits. Please focus on your work with peace of mind, it read. While grateful for her thoughtfulness, Emily continued thinking about the source of her uneasiness. The next morning, Emily went to Olivia’s room as usual. Seeing her daughter’s sleeping face was one of her daily pleasures.
However, when she approached the crib, Olivia was already awake and seemed to be stiffening her small body. “Good morning, Olivia.” Emily spoke gently as she tried to pick up her daughter. But at that moment, Olivia began crying intensely. It wasn’t ordinary crying, but a desperate sound, as if she were frightened of something.
Emily, while bewildered, held her daughter to her chest and gently soothed her. “What’s wrong, Olivia? Are you hungry? Michael’s footsteps could be heard from downstairs. He hurried up the stairs and opened the bedroom door. At that moment, Olivia’s crying became even more intense. Crying again. Michael’s voice clearly contained irritation.
Every single morning, the noise is unbearable. It’s natural for babies to cry,” Emily said, somewhat shocked by her husband’s words while holding her daughter protectively. “Isn’t it because your way of raising her is wrong?” Michael said coldly. Other families babies are much quieter. Emily was at a loss for words.
This was the first time Michael had become so cold. Before marriage, he had loved children, and she had been certain he would become a good father. That’s no way to talk. Olivia is only 3 months old. Anyway, I have work to do. I can’t concentrate with this racket in the morning, Michael said as he turned on his heel and left the room.
Once alone, Emily fought back tears while soothing Olivia. Certainly, as a new mother, there was still much she didn’t understand. But Michael’s words cut deep into her heart. She was beginning to lose confidence in her parenting. That evening, Emily returned home from work. As usual, Margaret was in the living room holding Olivia.
But something was different. Olivia was unusually quiet, appearing completely exhausted. “Welcome home,” Margaret stood up and handed Olivia to Emily. “Today was particularly difficult. Did something happen?” Emily asked worriedly. No, nothing special. It’s just that Olivia was a little fussy today. Margaret’s expression showed fatigue.
She was crying all afternoon. Emily looked at Olivia. Her daughter’s eyes lacked their usual sparkle. She gave the impression of being frightened of something. Specifically, how was she crying? Well, ordinary crying, I suppose, Margaret answered vaguely. Babies sometimes cry for no reason, don’t they? That night, Michael came home late.
After putting Olivia to bed, Emily waited for her husband. Welcome home. Emily offered coffee to her husband. Thank you. Michael sat on the sofa looking tired. How was today? How was Olivia’s condition? She was fussy today. She was crying all afternoon, apparently. Michael frowned. I knew there was something wrong with your way of raising her. Mother seems troubled, too.
