She melts into my arms like butter – it is time. Pacifier in, seatbelt on. The car turns on, and so does her brain. Heavy eyes turn into loud cries. I keep my eyes on the road. Deep breaths. Exploding in, calming out. On her side, more tears and louder emotions. Self-awareness kicks in, and she announces it.
‘Ik huilen!’
Yes, I see it. But misery needs company, and it is inviting today.
‘Jij ook huilen!’
I reluctantly decline. These tears stay in today, or else we’ll flood this car.
‘Mama does not want to cry, baby.’
Big mistake. Misery got angry. I should have remembered that pain shared is half felt.
Samen delen, toch?