The first time he cried out, I woke. Of course I did.
Three weeks of maternal conditioning doesn't evaporate because someone with warm hands and a warmer voice told me to sleep through it. Told me that she was already preparing the food and had woken up early to do it.
My body was merely upright before my mind caught up, already swinging legs toward the floor. Only for the gentle palm on my shoulder to press back down more firmly as I… growled at the resistance between me and my son.
"I have it. Sleep. You promised."
The obstacle turns into a beauty with a reddish glow to her eyes. Looking for all the world like she was ready to try and wrestle me down on this point.
"But…"
"You agreed. I made you agree three more times three hours and forty seven minutes ago. Sleep, Princess."
