Sophie grew.

Three months.

Six months.

Nine months.

Her relationship with Emma changed because Daniel protected it from obligation.

Emma was never required to babysit.

Not even for ten minutes.

If she offered to hold Sophie, Daniel asked:

“You want to?”

Sometimes yes.

Sometimes no.

Both accepted.

At eight months, Sophie crawled toward Emma constantly.

Emma complained.

“She follows me.”

Daniel smiled.

“Sounds annoying.”

“She is.”

“You still love her?”

“Unfortunately.”

Normal sibling language.

Beautifully normal.

The baby carrier remained in a closet.

Emma avoided it.

Daniel considered throwing it away.

Therapist Hannah suggested asking Emma.

Emma said:

“Keep it.”

“Why?”

“It didn’t do anything.”

Daniel stared.

She was right.

Victoria had turned an ordinary object into something frightening.

The object itself was not guilty.

Eventually Daniel wore Sophie in the same carrier while vacuuming.

Emma saw.

She laughed.

“You look ridiculous.”

Daniel smiled.

Another meaning changed.

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