*Michael*
I watched Shelby and Bruce leave, and I felt a wide range of emotions. Fear that something bad could happen and joy knowing that after today, she was finished with a job that could’ve cost us everything. I knew she wanted to work to feel fulfilled, but I didn’t want her working a job that had caused so much detriment and stress.
I carried the twins, one in each arm, to their bedroom. I laid them on the changing table and quickly worked to get them out of their dirty diapers before they started to cry. After I tucked in each twin and handed them a stuffed animal, I opened up a picture book and began reading in my most soothing voice. Softly, the babies' eyes drooped as the story wore on until finally it was finished. I leaned over each crib and kissed their velvety cheeks goodnight before tiptoeing out of the room and gently closing the door partway.
