In the Arms of the Enemy’s Brother
She wrapped her chubby arms around my neck and pressed her wet, open-mouth kiss against my cheek.
I closed my eyes and breathed her in. That sweet baby smell mixed with sleep and the faint scent of baby lotion. She smelled like everything good in the world. "Did you sleep well, baby girl?" I asked, carrying her to the rocking chair by the window. She babbled something that sounded like a whole story, complete with hand gestures and serious expressions. I nodded along, pretending to understand every word. Outside, the rain continued its soft song. The world felt small and safe, contained within these four walls.