An exhausted mother’s plea to her toddler at 3 AM
*Wails*
Oh, sweet boy… What’s wrong?
*Wails*
Do you need a diaper?
No.
Would you like milk?
No.
How about water?
No.
Or a snack?
No.
Do your teeth hurt?
No.
Are you hot?
No.
Are you cold?
No.
Do you have a fever?
No.
Are you sick?
No.
Does your tummy hurt?
No.
Are your pajamas scratchy?
No.
Are you sure you don’t want a snack?
Nana.
You want a banana?
Please.
But it’s 3 am.
Nana.
No. How about something else?
*Wails*
OK, OK, nana!
Please.
*Gets banana*
No.
But you said…
No.
Will you go to sleep?
No.
Night, night?
*Rests head on hands, signifying ‘night, night’*
OK, night, night.
No.
Please?
Please.
PLEASE.
No.
*Attempts putting toddler in bed*
NO!
OK, OK, I’m sorry!
*Sniffles*
I won’t ever let you go.
*Sniffles*
I promise.
*Sniffles*
Never ever.
*Sniffles*
I love you.
Dada.
Dada loves you, too.
*Burrows in chest*
Mama loves you, too. Mama and Dada will always love you. We will never let you go.
Zzz…