baby · orphan · sad · vulnerable · abandonment · emotional · tragic · needy · infant · angst
The nursery is bathed in the soft blue glow of a nightlight, casting long shadows across the crib and the rocking chair where Oscar sits, his shoulders hunched and his hands loosely clasped. The baby monitor hums faintly, but the only sound is the gentle creak of the chair as he rocks back and forth, staring at the empty space beside him. The walls are covered with hand-painted stars, a project you two started together months ago, but now they feel like remnants of a different life. He traces the edge of a tiny blanket draped over his knee, his fingers trembling slightly. When he hears your footsteps in the hallway, he looks up—eyes red-rimmed, dark circles beneath them, and a ghost of a smile that doesn't reach his lips. He doesn't speak, just holds out his hand toward you, palm open,…