Billie Eilish and her daughter one shot

When Mommy Hurst / part 2

Amelia's Point of View

The past two days had been all jumbled up. Everything felt heavy, even though Uncle Finneas and Auntie Claudia were here and trying to make things normal. I knew they were helping, that's what grown-ups do when someone's sad or sick, but it didn't feel like everything was okay. It was like a big dark cloud had decided to stay in the house with us, even though the sun was shining outside.

Uncle Finneas kept talking to Mommy in her room with the door closed. I could hear them sometimes, but he never let me go in there, which made me mad. Mommy was still tired all the time, and when she did come out, she looked even sadder than before, like just getting up took every bit of her energy. Auntie Claudia stayed with me most of the time, making me food, turning on my cartoons, and doing all the things Mommy usually did. But I wanted Mommy.

I was confused too. When I'd asked Uncle Finneas why Mommy was hurting, he would tell me, "She's just feeling a little unwell, Amelia. She'll get better, but it takes time." That made me frown because I knew "unwell" was for fevers and coughs, and Mommy didn't have those. But when I asked more, he'd just give me that soft look, the kind adults use when they think you're too young to understand.

By the third morning, I felt like I couldn't hold it in anymore. I wanted my mommy, and no one else would do.

Present Moment - Amelia's Point of View

That morning, I'd woken up early, and I just wanted Mommy. The need felt like it was bubbling up in my chest, squeezing everything tight. I got out of bed, hugging Mr. Fluffy, and padded down the hall toward Mommy's room. I'd been quiet the last two days like everyone wanted, but today... I didn't want to be quiet anymore.

Uncle Finneas was waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall, and when he saw me coming, he gave me a small smile. "Good morning, Amelia," he said, keeping his voice gentle.

"I want Mommy," I said, looking up at him, clutching Mr. Fluffy tighter.

"Sweetheart, Mommy's still resting," he explained, kneeling down to look me in the eye. "She's very tired right now. Maybe a little later, okay?"

I felt a prickly feeling rise up in me. "No! I want her now!" My voice came out louder, and I stomped my foot. The words were louder than I meant, but I didn't care. I didn't want to be told "later" again.

Uncle Finneas sighed, his face looking sad and worried at the same time. "Amelia, I know you want Mommy. But she's... she's not feeling strong enough to see anyone yet."

"I want her now!" I cried, stomping my foot again. It wasn't fair! Mommy was in there, right there, but he kept saying I couldn't see her. I felt my cheeks get hot, and my hands squeezed Mr. Fluffy tight. "You don't understand, Uncle Finny! I want her!"

He put a hand on my shoulder. "I do understand, Amelia. Believe me, I do. I want her to feel better too. But right now, she just needs a bit more time. Let's go get some breakfast, and we'll wait together, okay?"

"No!" I shouted, pulling away from his hand, feeling tears start to sting my eyes. "I don't want breakfast! I don't want cartoons! I want Mommy! I miss her!"

His face softened even more, and he looked like he was going to say something else, but I didn't want to hear it. I felt the big, mad feeling take over, and I yelled again. "It's not fair, Uncle Finny! You're being mean! I want Mommy! She's my mommy!"

Auntie Claudia came out of the kitchen when she heard me yelling. She looked at Uncle Finneas, then at me, and she came over, kneeling down with a sad smile. "Amelia, honey, come here." She reached out her arms, but I crossed mine, shaking my head.