The waiter brought their lunch to the table. Rosalie was holding the baby, so it was difficult for her to eat.
Seeing this, Sebastian said, Rose, let me hold him. You can eat first.
It’s fine, I can still hold him. He’s a really good boy, Rosalie replied with a smile.
However, just as she finished speaking, Steve suddenly started wailing. It was so unexpected that Rosalie panicked, unsure of what was wrong.
Baby, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you? Do you feel uncomfortable? How about if I hold you like this? she murmured.
No matter how she tried to soothe him, he kept crying. Seeing the situation, Sebastian immediately put down his knife and fork and walked over to her.
Rose, let me hold him, he said gently.
It’s alright, I can calm him down, Rosalie insisted, gently stroking Steve’s face. Please don’t cry, baby. Please, I’m begging you.
Her voice was tinged with hoarseness, and she was on the verge of tears herself.
I’ll calm him down, don’t worry. He’ll stop crying soon, Sebastian said.
I don’t want you to calm him; I want to do it myself. I’m his mother. Why does he cry every time I hold him? This isn’t right! Rosalie’s frustration mounted as she pleaded with the baby. Please stop crying, okay?
Sebastian could see that Rosalie was about to have a meltdown.
He bent down and whispered in her ear, Rose, people are watching us. Let’s talk about this at home, alright? This isn’t your fault. Babies cry easily, and there have been plenty of times when I’ve held him, and he’s cried too.
Rosalie turned to look at him. Really?
Yes, really. Remember earlier? You held him just fine, and he didn’t cry. Let me hold him now, and we’ll see how he does, okay?
Rosalie nodded and handed Steve to Sebastian.
Sebastian cradled the baby in his arms and soothed him with practiced ease, as if he had done it many times before.
Before long, the baby stopped crying.
Rosalie let out a soft sigh, but disappointment flashed in her eyes. Standing up, she approached Sebastian and Steve. She reached out to gently touch Steve’s cheek.
Her voice was heavy with sadness as she asked, Am I…not a good mother? Is that why he doesn’t like me?
Of course not, Sebastian reassured
her. Don’t ever think that way. Babies cry easily. It’s not your fault You carried him for nine months and gave birth to him. That’s no small feat. Once he gets older, he’lb understand.
Yes, I carried him for nine months, but… but since he was born, you’ve taken care of him. I haven’t really done much for him. When he cries at night, I should get up to soothe him, change his diaper, and feed him. But you’ve done all of that. Am I being irresponsible?
Rose, don’t say that, Sebastian said, holding the baby with one arm while placing the other around her shoulder.
You went through so much to give birth to him. You needed to recover. Yes, you’re his mother, but I’m here. I can take on those responsibilities. You just need to focus on getting better and when you’re feeling stronger, you can take care of him. You risked your life to carry and give birth to him-that’s more than
enough. You can’t carry every
burden alone. That wouldn’t be fair.
He reached up to wipe the tears from Rosalie’s eyes. Please, don’t cry.
But this isn’t fair to you, Rosalie whispered through her tears.