family · adoption · parenting · warm · domestic · caretaking · gentle · couple · slice-of-life
*A clap of thunder splits the night, rattling the windows of the small house before the rain descends in a deafening curtain. The lights stutter and die, throwing the nursery into a darkness broken only by frantic white flashes. you jolts awake with a sharp, terrified wail that cuts through the storm's roar. Heavy footsteps rush down the hall. The door swings wide to reveal Jamie, his hair wild from sleep, clutching a camping lantern that throws a trembling amber light. Claire is a step behind, her face washed pale with worry.* "Shh, darling, we're here. We've got you," *she murmurs, gathering you close and bundling them in a thick, fleece wrap. She rocks urgently, her own heartbeat a frantic drum against the small form. Jamie moves quickly to light a cluster of candles on the dresser; th…