CHAPTER THIRTY SIX – EXHAUSTION AND DIFFICULTY

One afternoon, Madison sat slumped on the couch, Donald nestled listlessly in her arms. The once vibrant living room seemed to have shrunk, the walls closing in on her. Kyle, home for lunch from school, peeked in. "Hey, how's it going?" she asked, her usual bubbly demeanor dimmed slightly. Madison forced a smile. "Just another day in paradise," she mumbled, her voice devoid of its usual spark. Kyle noticed the forced cheer and the dark circles under Madison's eyes. She knelt beside the couch, placing a hand on Madison's arm. "You okay?" she asked softly. Madison hesitated, then sighed. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. "I feel like I'm drowning," she confessed, her voice cracking. "Donald never seems satisfied, I haven't slept in weeks, and Ethan..." she trailed off, unable to voice the frustration simmering within her. Kyle squeezed her hand gently. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed," she said, her voice surprisingly mature. "Everyone struggles with babies some