It's the little things that can hit a nerve

 "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Caitlin didn't think they did, but they could have called and she forgot. God, she hated moments like this, but Mario and Sammie arrived with her dad.

"We did," Mario looked at her as if she truly was insane.

Caitlin pressed her lips tight. They'd just gotten Hannah down. She really didn't want them to wake her. But of course, Mario and Sammie went on to the nursery while her Dad hung back. He looked over her shoulder at Deano on the couch nodding off.

"I swear, you better wake up and do more around here," his words were so harsh it made her ears burn. "He's a sweetheart, but you're gonna make a bear out of him."

Caitlin acted as if she didn't hear him. She would take note. "We both have had colds, OK?" She finally said, but it was a lie. Maybe they both had long-haul COVID and didn't know it. Of course, he went on to the kitchen to make coffee. 

Caitlin walked down to the nursery barefooted in her leggings and sweatshirt (which had spit-up all over it). Her hands were on her lower back as she tried to stretch herself from sleep. Yes, the baby was awake and Sammie was already holding Hannah. She was talking to her like she might be the best little Mommie yet. Oh, Caitlin could hardly stand it. Why did Sammie have to be friendly with this kid, she thought. She sighed heavily.

"Sammie's really good with babies," Mario looked back at Caitlin.

"I had no idea," Caitlin looked at the two of them as if they were much closer as siblings than she'd ever been with him. Yes, jealousy swarmed about her as she smirked at the two. Sammie smiled back and Caitlin did her best to fake a smile.

"She's so beautiful," Sammie told her. 

Caitlin thought she might heave, but leaned against the doorway and yawned instead.  She could hardly wait for this party to be over so she could get back to vegging in front of the TV.