New mothers often had routines that made them feel secure. Emily had spent months preparing for Luke, reading books, organizing his room, and labeling drawers.
She knew exactly where every washcloth, diaper, and bottle belonged.
I assumed bath time was simply another routine she wanted to keep for herself.
A few weeks later, she could barely keep her eyes open after another sleepless night. Luke had been waking every two hours, and Nate had an important meeting the next morning.
When I arrived, Emily was rocking the baby in her arms while staring blankly at the wall.
I gently touched her shoulder.
« Emily, sweetheart… why don’t you go take a shower? I’ll give him his bath tonight. »
She looked at me for a second before shaking her head.
« No. It’s okay. I already have everything ready. »
« But you’re exhausted. »
