The nursery was bathed in soft, golden light from the small night lamp beside the crib. The faint hum of the air conditioner filled the silence, mingling with Khalil’s soft breathing as he lay curled up in his crib with his tiny fingers clutching his stuffed bear.
Abigail had just tucked him in, brushing a gentle kiss over his forehead before turning toward Callie’s crib. The baby had finally fallen asleep nearly half an hour ago after a bit of fussing, her small chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Everything seemed calm, peaceful even, until the stillness broke.
A faint whimper. Then another.
Abigail froze mid-step. She turned as her brow furrowed when Callie’s soft whimpers grew into weak, restless cries.
“Oh sweetheart…” she murmured, walking quickly to the crib. She bent o
