You think a lot of things. It’s only been a month since she’s been back to work. Her colleagues welcomed her, but she began to realize how difficult it was to work at the same pace. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother and as an employee was more complicated than she thought.
However, having Margaret made her not to worry at least about day care. Her experience as a nurse was also reassuring. Margaret was closely monitoring Olivia’s health and providing advice when needed. While waiting at the traffic light, Emily checked the messages on her phone. It was a letter from Margaret.
Olivia is in a very good mood. Focus on your work and be assured.
Emily was grateful, but she kept looking for why she was upset. The next morning, she went to Olivia’s room as usual. Seeing her sleeping daughter’s face was one of her daily pleasures.
But when she approached the bed, Olivia was awake, and it seemed to harden her little body. Emily said nicely. Good morning, Olivia. When I tried to carry her, Olivia started crying so hard. It wasn’t a normal cry, but a desperate voice, like it was afraid of something.
Emily hugged her confused and started calming her. What’s wrong with you, Olivia? Are you hungry? Then Michael’s footsteps were heard from below, he quickly climbed up and opened the door. At that moment, Olivia’s crying intensified. Michael said in a clear voice, “Annoyance is crying again”? Every morning this noise is unbearable.
Emily said as she embraced her daughter with natural protection to cry children. Michael coldly replied, “Isn’t it because your way of raising her is wrong?” The children of other families are much quieter. Emily didn’t find what she was saying.
This was the first time Michael had been this pastor. Before marriage he loved children, and she was sure he would be a good father. She said it’s not fair to say that. Olivia is only three months old. But he said he was turning around anyway. I have a job. I can’t focus with this noise in the morning.
When she was alone, Emily resisted tears as she calmed Olivia. Yes, as a new mother she still doesn’t know much, but Michael’s words hurt her deeply. She’s losing her confidence in herself.
That evening, Emily came back from work. Margaret was in the living room carrying Olivia.
But something was different; Olivia seemed unusually static as if she was completely exhausted.
Margaret said hello to you back, and then I handed the baby to Emily. I asked Emily worried today. It was very difficult. Did something happen? Margaret replied no, nothing special. Only Olivia was a little nervous today.
Emily noticed that Olivia’s eyes miss their usual luster, as if she were afraid of something. She asked how she was exactly crying. Margaret said an indeterminate answer, a normal cry, I guess. Kids sometimes cry for no reason, right?
And that night, Michael came back late.
After Emmie Olivia put her in bed, she waited for her husband. She said, offering him coffee. Welcome back. He said thank you. And he sat tired on the couch. He asked how it was today. How’s Olivia?
Emily said she was nervous today and cried all afternoon, apparently. He swore Michael’s eyebrows. I knew there was something wrong with your way. My mom looks tired too. But I’m not there by day. Margaret is the one to take care of her. And then he said sharply, “You’re causing trouble for my mother.” I want you to take on a bigger responsibility and become a real mother.
Emily wanted to answer, but the words didn’t come out. It is true that since she returned to work, she no longer spends the same time with Olivia, and her child may have felt it.
The next morning Emily woke up early to check on Olivia. The child was awake moving her little hands. But when Emily got close, she started crying so hard.
