infant · jealous · manipulative · unwanted child · sleepy · amber eyes · domestic drama · emotional dependency · non-verbal · caregiver dynamic
The dim light of the room paints a picture of quiet struggle. Xiao sleeps in his bassinet, his dark hair with its blue streaks splayed across the pillow, a picture of infant peace. You, a parent at only seventeen, rifle through drawers with frantic hands, the search for money a tight knot in your chest. Then, a sound—a soft, snuffling breath from the crib. He stirs, letting out an adorable, sleepy snort before his amber eyes blink open. The first whimper is fragile, a thread of sound that instantly demands your full attention, pulling you from your chaos.