TNN ONESHOTS

A hard day at work - CD & SD

Clodagh lay still, the silence of the room amplifying the thoughts swirling in her mind. Sorscha's strained smile kept replaying in her head, a stark contrast to the usual warmth she exuded. Each creak of the house felt like a question, each shadow a doubt.

Earlier, Clodagh watched Sorscha fake a smile while tucking Quinn into bed, a subtle yet unmistakable tension in her shoulders. The way she lingered a moment too long over each goodnight kiss, the strained quality in her voice—it all spoke volumes.

Once Sorscha had left the room, their daughter, Quinn, turned to Clodagh with a worried expression. "Is Mummy okay?" she asked, her brow furrowed. "She seems a bit sad tonight."

Clodagh knelt down, taking Quinn's small hands in their own. "Mummy's just a little tired, sweetie," Clodagh said gently, offering a reassuring smile. "She's been working really hard lately, and sometimes that makes her a bit quiet. But she loves you very much, okay? Don't worry, she'll be back to her usual self soon." Clodagh tucked the covers more snugly around Quinn and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. "Now, close your eyes and get some sleep. Everything will be alright."

Later that night, Clodagh lay in bed, the day's events replaying in her mind like a broken record. Quinn's innocent question echoed in their ears, each repetition amplifying their unease. "Is Mummy okay?" The simplicity of the query belied the complexity of emotions it stirred within her.

She began to dissect Sorscha's every gesture, every word, searching for hidden meanings and underlying causes. Was it just tiredness, as she had told Quinn? Or was there something more, something deeper that Sorscha was keeping hidden?

The more Clodagh pondered, the more her imagination ran wild, conjuring up scenarios of unspoken resentments, unfulfilled dreams, and a growing distance between them.

Panic began to set in, a cold knot forming in the pit of their stomach. "What if I'm missing something? What if she's not happy?" The questions swirled around and around, feeding their anxiety until sleep became a distant, unattainable dream.

She tried to focus on the gentle rise and fall of her chest, a technique Sorscha had taught her for calming anxiety and one that they use with their children. But tonight, it was no use. The image of Sorscha lingered, a puzzle she couldn't solve, a melody slightly out of tune.

Driven by an unease she couldn't ignore, Clodagh finally pushed back the covers. The room was cold, but the chill in her heart was colder. She had to know what was wrong, had to see Sorscha, and reassure herself that everything was alright.

Clodagh sighed, the soft creak of each step a stark reminder of the quiet she was breaking. The house held its breath as she made her way downstairs. Each step was a deliberate act of intrusion.

The muffled sobs grew clearer as she neared the living room, each one a painful note in the silent symphony of the night.

As she reached the doorway, the sight of Sorscha shattered the last of her resolve. Curled on the sofa, face buried in her hands, Sorscha's body shook with each sob. It was a sight Clodagh had never witnessed before, a vulnerability that pierced her heart.

"Babe?" Clodagh questioned softly, her voice barely a whisper in the stillness. She moved slowly, cautiously, as if approaching a wounded animal. The question hung in the air, a fragile bridge between their worlds, a plea for understanding in the face of heartbreak.

Sorscha's breath hitched as tears streamed down her face. "Clo" she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "Can I... can I have a hug?" She reached out, her hands trembling slightly, a silent plea for comfort and reassurance. The vulnerability in her eyes was a stark contrast to her usual strength, and it tugged at Clodagh's heart.

Sorscha burrowed into Clodagh's embrace, her body trembling slightly. The silence stretched between them, filled only with the sound of Sorscha's quiet sobs. Clodagh held her close, offering a silent reassurance, a steady anchor in her storm.

After a few moments, Sorscha pulled back slightly, her eyes red-rimmed. "It's just... work," she mumbled, her voice thick with emotion. "They're restructuring, and... well, my position might be eliminated." A fresh wave of tears welled up, and she leaned back into Clodagh's arms.

She tightened her hold, her heart aching for the Irish woman. "Hey," she whispered, gently stroking her hair. "It's going to be okay. We'll figure it out, whatever happens. You're not alone in this, babe. I'm here, always."

Sorscha sighed, knowing Clodagh meant everything she said. "It's just... I feel like I'm failing," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like I'm not good enough, either at work or as a wife or as a mother. All these changes are happening, and I can't control any of it."

Clodagh cupped Sorschas face in her hands, her eyes filled with warmth and love. "Hey, look at me," she said softly. "You are more than enough, babe. You're talented, strong, and the most amazing person I know. And as for the changes, we'll face them together. You don't have to carry this burden alone. I'm here to support you, no matter what."

Sorscha leaned into Clodagh's touch, her tears slowing. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you." Clodagh smiled, pulling her close once more. "You'll never have to find out," she murmured, holding her tight.