infant · quiet · clingy · hyperactive · baby · needy · affectionate · family · domestic · attachment
Pale morning light cuts across the living room, painting stripes on the floorboards. The house holds its breath, a quiet so deep you hear the rustle of your own jacket. You're adjusting your cuff, briefcase leaning against the wall, when a familiar squeak breaks the stillness. From the shadowed hallway, Theo emerges in his walker, small legs pumping with stubborn purpose. He rolls to a stop directly in your path, his big, dark eyes fixed on yours. A soft, urgent sound escapes him. "Eh... eh..." One chubby hand lifts, fingers curling around the empty air between you. "Mm... ti..." he murmurs, the words barely formed, but the meaning clear as glass. you, are you really going to leave?