Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

FIFTY TWO

Narin Natanan Chakkarath

Thanya Khemanit Sirikanya Worachai

A week had passed since they brought Thanya home, and the house was full of warmth, love, and the gentle hum of family life. Paew had moved in temporarily, insisting on being there for Earn during her confinement, while Aunty Sum busied herself with Thanya's care whenever Lada or Earn needed rest. It was a full house, and yet, the atmosphere was one of quiet joy, even amid the occasional baby cries and the bustling of caretakers.

Earn winced, her body still aching from childbirth, but today it was her breasts causing the discomfort. "Lada," she called softly from the couch, her voice strained. "These boobies... feels like razor blades."

Lada, who had been helping Paew organize some things, immediately rushed over. "Again? Let me see." She knelt beside Earn, her brows furrowed with concern. Without hesitation, she reached out to gently massage Earn's tender breasts, her hands moving with care and experience.

Earn winced at first, the pain sharp. "I hate this part," she muttered, leaning back as Lada worked, the warmth of her hands offering some relief.

Aunty Sum entered the living room at that exact moment, holding a neatly folded pile of baby clothes, while Paew trailed behind her with a soft smile on her face. "Is it that bad again, Earn?" Paew asked, immediately reading the situation.

Earn nodded, feeling a little self-conscious as all eyes are on her and her bare breast but grateful for the help. "I don't know if it's normal to feel like this, Ma. It's like needles stabbing me," she admitted, her voice cracking a little under the weight of her discomfort.

Paew walked over, her eyes filled with sympathy. "It's normal, sweetheart. The milk flow can be a lot in the beginning, but your body will adjust. Let Lada help you for now. You're doing great," she reassured, placing a comforting hand on Earn's shoulder.

"You know, chilled cabbage leaves can work wonders. They're great for reducing swelling and discomfort. Just take some fresh leaves and place them on your breasts for relief." Paew said gently, recalling the old wives' tales that had been passed down through their family.

Earn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Cabbage leaves? Really?"

"Yes!" Paew nodded enthusiastically. "It's an old remedy many women swear by. The coolness of the leaves can help soothe the pain, and they can reduce inflammation too. Just make sure to use fresh, clean leaves."

"Please, Ma!" Earn said, feeling a little hopeful. "Anything to get rid of this stabbing feeling."

"And," Paew continued, "I will make you some fenugreek tea. It's believed to boost milk production and soothe discomfort. Together, the cabbage and tea should help you feel much better."

"Sounds perfect," Earn replied, her gratitude shining through her eyes. "Thank you, Ma."

Paew smiled warmly before turning to Aunty Sum. "Let's prepare that tea and get some cabbage leaves for her. We want her feeling her best as soon as possible."

"You're lucky you have Lada, Earn." Aunty Sum added, her tone warm but teasing. "Some husbands wouldn't even know where to start with this kind of thing."

Lada chuckled softly but didn't stop what she was doing. "Yeah, well, I've had practice. Plus, anything to keep her from wincing every five minutes," she said, trying to lighten the moment. She pressed gently around the areas of pressure, feeling for any blockages. "I swear, though, these things are like a ticking bomb if we don't do something."

Earn groaned in response, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the slight relief creeping in. "Well, I'm glad you're the one doing it," she murmured, eyes fluttering shut. "But God, I didn't expect breastfeeding to hurt this much."