Chenford discovering love

Rest my love

The evening sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the living room as Lucy parked her car outside the daycare. Her heart raced with the familiar mixture of exhaustion and love that came from juggling work and motherhood. The weight of her pregnancy felt heavier with each passing day, but the thought of seeing her daughter, Liv, made it all worthwhile.

As she entered the daycare, Lucy's heart soared at the sight of Liv playing with her friends. Her daughter was the light of her life—bright, spirited, and full of energy. But today, that energy seemed to be running low.

"Liv!" Lucy called out, waving as she approached. Liv turned, her little face lighting up before it was quickly replaced by a frown.

"Mummy!" she whined, rubbing her eyes. "I don't want to go home yet!"

"I know, sweetheart. But it's time," Lucy said gently, bending down to scoop Liv into her arms. As she hugged her tightly, she could feel the heaviness of Liv's body—a telltale sign that she hadn't napped.

"Liv, honey, did you have a good day?" Lucy asked, trying to keep the mood light.

"No! I'm tired!" Liv wailed, her arms flailing as she buried her face into Lucy's shoulder.

"Okay, let's get you home and cozy," Lucy whispered, rubbing Liv's back as she navigated the bustling daycare with one hand while balancing her growing belly.

Once they were finally home, the familiar chaos of family life hit Lucy like a tidal wave. The moment they stepped inside, Liv began to cry, her tiny body trembling with fatigue and frustration.

"I want to play! I want Daddy!" she screamed, her little face scrunching up in distress.

"Liv, Daddy's resting. He's not feeling well, remember?" Lucy said, her heart breaking for her daughter. She knew how much Liv adored Tim, especially now that he was back from the hospital after his injury.

"Don't want you!" Liv cried, pushing away from Lucy and flopping onto the floor. "I want Daddy!"

The sound of Liv's tantrum reverberated through the small home, mixing with the clattering of pots and pans as Lucy attempted to make dinner. She felt overwhelmed, and just as she started chopping vegetables, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen.

"Not now," she muttered under her breath, trying to breathe through the discomfort while keeping an eye on Liv. "It's just a little cramp. You can do this."

As Liv continued to scream, Lucy's hands trembled slightly. "Liv! Honey, please," she pleaded, feeling the weight of exhaustion and frustration settle on her shoulders like a heavy blanket. "You need to help me. Let's pick up your toys together. I'll make your favorite dinner."

Liv sat on the floor, her legs crossed and her face twisted with emotion. "No! I want Mummy to hold me!"

Lucy's heart ached, and she felt the pain in her stomach intensify. She turned to the stove, the boiling water a stark reminder that she was trying to keep it all together while feeling like she was on the verge of breaking.

Just then, the living room door creaked open, and Tim stepped inside. His face brightened at the sight of his girls, but he quickly noticed the tension in the air.

"Hey, what's going on?" he asked, concern etched across his features.

"Liv is—" Lucy began, but Liv interrupted with another wail, throwing herself into Lucy's legs.

"Mummy! Hold me!" Liv sobbed, her voice raw and desperate.

"Liv, I need to finish dinner. I promise I'll hold you in just a moment," Lucy replied, trying to sound soothing even as her heart sank.