Less than Twelve Parsecs

There's nothing sweeter that a sleeping baby in your arms. That gentle warmth that builds up between your body and theirs. How she sprawls her body onto yours in a feeling of complete abandon, going utterly limp, arms akimbo.  She gives you the gift of half a giggle in her sleep - not a full one, mind you, because her dream has already moved onto a dreamier land. And you smile and try to imagine: what would a baby really dream of? And you dream along with her... In those moments you realize that she trusts you completely, to care for her and protect her into eternity. And you realize you will, with all your power and for as long as you possibly can. I guess that's why they call it Baby Bonding .

Mara: I don't like you. I open my eyes, groggy. I had fallen asleep next to Mara in her bed trying to help her fall asleep. It's still night time. Based on past times, assuming 2-4am. Mara: No. I can't stop crying. Oh she's sleep talking. OK. Good, I don't want to have to do things. I'm so tired. Mara : I don't like you. Hrm. I wonder what's happening in her dream right now. Mara : I don't like you, Mommy. [Silence...] I realize my whole chest is tight. Nothing moves, and that's odd. Oh, I need to breathe, that's it. Reason slowly trickles back in, along with the oxygen: she probably doesn't mean that.  There's a gentle leg kick on my arm, followed by a slightly more anxious: Mara : I don't LIKE you, Mommy. What?! Did I do anything last night to cause this? What did I say? Darn sweet husband of mine being all awesome compared to me. I need to ramp up my game tomorrow. Really. What d...