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Becalming 240 words Prompt: Quiet Ceaseless rocking, an extra ounce of milk, the humming of half-remembered lullabies, and back rubs have finally pacified my tightly swaddled newborn. My steps freeze as Jackie hiccups. In minutes, I’ve backed out of the room and closed the door. I sigh. After an hour of wailing, she’s asleep. It’s quiet. I tiptoe to the living room and curl up on the couch, heaped with meticulously placed pillows. I close my eyes, pop them back open and crane my neck to check the bottle warmer. Off. But how much formula is left? I groan as I reposition my hips and shuffle into the kitchen. Inside the tin is enough for another day but I’ll have to go out soon. I hope they have our brand. I bite my lip. Last time I had to drive 30 minutes to the next store. Maybe we should move closer to the city. Better school district, more support, more options. Will that change in five years? I’d have uprooted us for nothing. What if Jackie needs special schooling? I pace along the counter. I shouldn’t be pacing. That’s not helping her grow up healthy. At least she sleeps longer now. Is she asleep? When did I last hear her breathe? What if… In less than a breath, I stand at her crib again. Jackie’s chest rises and falls. She coughs, waking. She cries again, full-throated. I scoop her up and sigh. Now it’s quiet.
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Jan 31, 2024 20:12
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| # ¿ May 14, 2024 21:24 |
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Since everyone has a flash assignment this week, this is one of your archivists reminding you to include that flash in your submission post please! If you do happen to forget it, don't edit your story! Add it into its own post and label it with the story it belongs to. Thanks much!
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Mar 29, 2024 11:30
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