Daciana: Spiced Kiss

Earthy, cumin, bay leaves, the bitterness of the curry leaves. It tantalised her taste buds with sweet cinnamon, tangy citrus and the heat. The warm blood filled her veins, flooding her with fiery, green chillies. Daciana wanted a mere taste of his blood, a degree of revenge for his torment. She wiped her mouth as Layton pushed her back. He swayed, clutching his head, then reaching out for something to steady himself. Daciana stepped into his space, her hand clamping the wound on his neck, the other around his waist. Her arm linked with another person, a witness to her attack. Her skin was silky and made Daciana flush with goosebumps.

Daciana stared. The flavours circled in her mouth. Green chillies kicked her tastebuds, making her eyes water. Daciana believed her body was on fire. She could feel the blood heating within her as it circulated. Zinnea growled. They needed to get Layton comfortable. Daciana could not move. The bulk of Layton rested against her as he lost consciousness. Zinnea snapped her fingers in Daciana’s face. They needed to work fast before someone saw them.

They laid Layton on the sofa, with Zinnea keeping watch. Daciana shook as she poured the Haemostatic Granules into his wound. She longed to be a vampire as written in books, brooding and enigmatic creatures. Daciana longed to drink and walked away from her victims. Instead, she played nursemaid, tending to their wounds. Her half-human lineage cursed her vampiric life. The pounding heart in her chest was a gift Casimir told her to cherish. He hated the silence of his incarceration. He missed his heartbeat, a rhythm of sanity, and a reminder of life.

It was sentimental nonsense. What good was humanity when all it brought was pain and suffering? Years of eating very little when her body craved this life source. She was hungry. When Daciana closed her eyes, she saw the throats of her family. Patrick, her father, his neck covered with a thick black and grey beard. He would taste like smoked barbecue steaks. Luliana was plump and juicy with her secret snacks. She would deliver a milky chocolate infusion. Or Leticia, her weakening heart. She was pancakes and maple syrup, an extract of coffee and Daciana’s first taste.

Zinnea placed a cautious hand on Daciana’s shoulder. She seemed unafraid of the young vampire. The spiced aroma of perfume mingled with the ambience of the curried festival. It made Daciana’s mouth water and brought to mind her returning hunger. Zinnea took two steps back, seeing the vampire’s eyes narrow and focus on her neck. Daciana reached into her pocket, took out the plasma pack and devoured its contents. She agreed to one victim. It was a condition of her freedom. Casimir would always be close, unable to extend the reins. He feared she would tear the throats of all who crossed her path.

Zinnea watched, holding her breath. She hesitated, offering Daciana a napkin to wipe her mouth. Her eyes drifted over the sleeping body of Layton and back to Daciana. Zinnea had read about vampires. She hoped to study the occult at university as part of the psychology program. She admired Daciana and the control she showed in class. Vampires were, by historic definition, strong. Daciana seemed polite in letting others gain the upper hand. Daciana looked sheepish, her eyes on the floor. There was no letting. Daicana was equal in strength to those around her, a curse bestowed on her by her creators. Zinnea inched closer. Whatever the truth, she was curious. Zinnea hoped Daciana would welcome an opportunity to share her story.

Daciana, Layton and Zinnea: https://siimplysims.tumblr.com/post/658153062073057280/siimplysims-drunk-tonight-poses-hello-guys

Zinnea: https://www.patreon.com/posts/93826769?utm_campaign=postshare_creator

Daciana: https://www.patreon.com/posts/female-model-01-90537157

Layton: https://eslanes.tumblr.com/post/171655299107/hey-everyone-back-again-with-some-dramatic-poses

Daciana: Spiced Blood

Daciana breathed slow and controlled. She focused on the girl with the black halo of springy curls. Her natural, earthy skin tone complemented eyes of the same hue. When she smiled, her face glowed. Her eyes sparkled, and perfect white teeth sat as pearls against her darkness. If Daciana dreamed of the perfect woman, Zinnia would host the embodiment of her ideals. She wore bright colours, yellows and oranges, in short, pleated skirts and tops. Unlike the small bumps of Daciana’s slender frame, Zinnia was curvy. Her body designed, with every contour, curve, and line crafted to captivate interest. She smelled of ylang-ylang, dreamy, floral, like roses in the morning dew. There were notes of Jasmine, sandalwood and oakmoss. These balanced and rounded out the aroma. Daciana moved closer to her, longing to taste her, to indulge in the fantasy of what she represented.

Zinnia laughed, pawing at their martial arts instructor, Layton. His mouth burned on the curry as he boasted his prowess in eating hot foods. Layton squinted, allowing beads of water to drip from his eyes. Skin flushed in pink, red, then purple. Had this been a cartoon, Daciana knew she would see steam rising off him and flames erupting from his mouth. Another of the girls handed him water with limited effect. It seemed the universe served karmic justice for his torment of Daciana. After her fantasy of their kiss, Layton told everyone. He used it as a way to torment her, drawing on her ambition to sit on top of him and ride him like the stallion. Daciana wanted to drain him, leaving him limp and wasted in the gutter. The fiery curry, with its pungent aroma, was amusing. She decided it was worth the wait to taste the curry. And his blood.

Luring him away from his harem would not be easy. Daciana failed to see how she could compete with the beautiful girls. She admired their long hair, manicured nails and colourful clothes. Black suited Daciana, her moods and future without a mirror. Her hair bobbed at her shoulders, her nails chipped and broken. Layton scoffed at the idea he would date someone so scruffy. Daciana was not one to ask for help. She would never give her sister that satisfaction. Yet, looking at those surrounding Layton, Daciana regretted rejecting her assistance.

Layton stumbled, clutching his throat in search of relief. Daciana slipped through the crowd, a safe distance behind him. The girls continued to shout, begging him to hurry back, but no one offered sympathy. He leaned against the wooden fence, fanning his mouth and rubbing his throat. Daciana stood close, smelling the garlic, ginger, and onions on his breath. Her hand trembled, reaching for his cheek. Layton swayed, drawn into her grey eyes, the corners of his mouth turning up in a soft smile. Daciana kept her voice low, tricking his mind. The girls he wanted to spend his time worshipping could never soothe his pain. Daciana knew she could, convincing his mind there was no fire in his throat. His hands rested on her waist, bringing her closer. Under her control, Layton tilted his head, inviting her to kiss. She placed her lips over his Adam’s apple, moving them to the side. His pulse was steady from the calming effect of her voice. She knew to make the hypnosis work in her favour. Casimir suggested using it before feeding to slow the bleeding. It would make it easier to stop when she finished.

Daciana opened her mouth, plunging her teeth into Layton. His hand tightened on her waist as the trance state subsided. Pain receptors were stronger than Daciana. It gave her seconds to consume all she needed. Layton threw her back. She stumbled but didn’t fall. He leaned back, steadying himself, dazed, his head spinning. His eyes rolled in his head as he tumbled forward. Daciana caught him.

Group poses: https://www.patreon.com/posts/97115735?pr=true and https://www.patreon.com/posts/ts4-pose-pack-94180809

Daciana and Layton: https://www.patreon.com/posts/vampire-posesno-58976313

Milly: The Table

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour. This also includes references to domestic abuse.

Do not scream. Do not wake the children.

It was her truth. Milly flinched; she gathered the remains of her dress. She could still feel the seams ripping. They scratched her skin, leaving burn marks as the material sheared against her body. Her hands trembled, and her vision blurred from the river of tears. Milly wiped her nose and tried to swallow, but her throat was tight, hoarse, and dry. There were crescent moons in her hands, deep echoes of discomfort. The whole truth, he wanted it all, and nothing else would suffice. She had told her truth, Eliza and Scarlett, but not Azure. Why, because he was her friend, someone Hunter hated. He was jealous of the way Azure looked at Milly. If she told him Azure came to the house. How he took her to the concert. The warmth of his voice as they talked. Or worse, the placement a comforting hand on her back. Hunter would do worse to her than fabricate a lie.

Milly sucked in a breath through her teeth, a sharp hissing inhale. The flesh met flesh, curled fingers and ribs collided. She crumpled, whimpering, and winded. A warning shot to ensure Milly did not want to experience it again. The contusion expanded. Small blood vessels released their contents, rushing to the surface. Her skin, enriched with milk chocolate, darkened. It blackened like the sky on a starless night.

Do not scream. Do not wake the children.

It was his truth. The force against her dress yanked her up, and Milly was too heavy. The seams groaned, splitting, tearing, as she stood. They were close. Milly and Hunter. He held her head in his right hand. Her hair gripped in a jealous fist. Her voice panicked in whispers. He called her names and asked how much a man paid for the displeasure of her company. How easy was it for her to give herself over to another? In her bra and knickers, Milly was vulnerable. She felt strands of her hair rip from the root, many needles of pain and a thump to her ribs as she fell.

In Hunters words, he had let go. He stood watching and did nothing as she stepped back. She fell. No effort from him was needed. Hunter would claim his hands never touched her in a way that could harm.

Do not scream. Do not wake the children.

It would be their truth. Milly fell. She hit her left ribs on the table, not with enough force to break anything. The air forced its way out of her body. Fingers curled into palms, pressing tight. Pain spread out from the impact against the table. In a silly moment, she had stumbled. Playful and flirty, she pushed away Hunter in their merriment. Children were all sleeping, so this is the time adults can play. She had already fallen when she came in the door. There must have been more in the hot chocolate than flakes and milk. Perhaps some alcohol to warm and seduce her? Was Hunter, right? Did other men have agendas she was too naïve to notice?

Do not cry. Do not upset the children.

Milly threw the dress away. Everything would be alright. She was a terrible wife, but she would learn. Everything would be perfect, and Hunter would love her. The children needed their mother. This part had to be true. Or why would he need her? There would be no more reason for Hunter to bend the truth. It would be their truth, the real truth of what happened. She straightened her body, holding her breath. No tears. She would do everything he wanted and amend her behaviour. No one would find fault, find a reason to take her children. No one but her could be a mother to them.

Milly: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ill-save-you-97044538

Milly – False Memory: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ill-save-you-97044538

Milly: Caught

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour

His monotone voice chilled the babysitter to the core as she hurried to the door. Hunter looked over at his wife. The simple green form-fitting dress was one of his favourites. Now, it is tainted with betrayal. Milly froze in the doorway, wanting to turn back time. The green of his eyes intensified, an emerald flame burning her skin. He bit the words. Milly’s feet did not move. Hunter spoke again with venom. Her body stumbled, crashing to the floor on her hands and knees. The seam of her dress strained as she crawled to the sofa. Milly could not stand. Her legs trembled as she clawed, dragging herself into sitting. Milly found his menacing demeanour terrifying. Hunter could be cruel, but this was an unfamiliar intensity.

Her eyes lowered to the rug, and her fingers gripping the sofa, begging for strength. Hunter was kind, inviting her cousins. He welcomed and shared their lives with her intrusive family. They resented him and longed to steal her, destroy everything he had worked to create. This place was all either of them would ever need. Eliza was rude. She assumed she could walk through their home, feed their child, and hold her without asking. These cousins polluted their space. They scared James and Selena, bringing gifts in exchange for affection. Milly opened her mouth. Nothing, not even her breath, escaped, but the motion did not go unnoticed. Hunter’s face, the foul stench of his breath inches from hers, what did she wish to say? He was tired of whining. The sound of unhappy children frustrated him. Above all this, he was angry at a wife incapable of satisfying him. Being a musician, he had many options for companionship. Unfortunately, a lapse in judgment brought them together.

What was so important that she would abandon her children? What opportunity would entice her to betray everything they had? Wearing a beautiful dress meant another man was awaiting her company. Had she taken him upstairs, held him whilst their children slept? Were they checking into a motel? Or did his car provide her with ample space? Nausea rumbled in her stomach; the half-drunk hot chocolate threatened to reveal itself. The warmth of Azure’s hand tingled on her skin, an innocent gesture from a man she longed to know. Visions of her cousin dancing. Scarlett laughed as they twirled, as though the world consisted only of them. Hunter tapped his foot, awaiting the answer. It was the confession of her crimes and the impending punishment he longed to give.

Her voice choked, hating herself for the words, placing the escape with Eliza. It was not her fault. Eliza mentioned how she and Scarlett planned to attend Sim Sessions. Milly watched Nadia settle in Eliza’s arms. Nadia cooed and relaxed, something Milly had longed for her daughter to do in her arms. It was a moment of madness, of need. Milly wanted for one night to be out in the world. To have the freedom to forget everything and enjoy herself. Eliza promised Milly they would take her, but she never expected it to come true. Azure was an unexpected pleasure and a piece of the story Milly ignored. Hunter hated Azure. She never understood why, but for the evening, he was her white or rather blue knight, whisking her away to the ball.

Hunter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/crossed-arms-70873188

Milly: https://ts4-poses.tumblr.com/post/612832793814269952/sims-in-distress-part-five

Hunter and Milly: https://www.patreon.com/posts/simmerianne93-08-61848217

Milly: Intervention (PT2)

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour

Azure settled beside her, enquiring how she was doing. Milly was never sure how to answer such a question. The children took precedence as they were her world. Azure sipped his chocolate. He enjoyed hearing about James and his advancements in literature. She gushed over Selena, how she could memorise her timetables. Hunter believed it would serve her well for life in the kitchen. What Azure did not hear was how Milly felt. She continued believing she was clearly expressing herself. Yet all Azure heard was how wonderful her life had to be for her children and Hunter. She wanted to sell the idea of her life, except her face told a different story. Azure noted the bags under her eyes, the dullness of her once sparkling green eyes. He knew as they sat together she was afraid, thinking of how Hunter would react. Milly was uncomfortable in her skin and in the company of her family.

Azure could listen to her all day. She was in awe of everything her children did. The pain in her voice when Milly spoke of Nadia, her slow development. Milly worried she would struggle throughout her life. She contemplated differences in the bond between the two sets of twins. James and Selena are so connected they might never thrive apart. Aiden and Nadia, the opposite, are unreliant on the other for their existence. She marvelled at their uniqueness. Azure admired this quality, how alive Milly appeared. Her body animated, and her face brightened. Azure interrupted her story; there were other things he needed to discuss. He wondered if she had thought more about what he said, the people who could help.

Milly stiffened, staring in the mug like it would consume her. The creamy milk reached the perfect 65 degrees Celsius. Dark chocolate flakes swirled and melted, creating a velveteen texture. Mini marshmallows bobbed in the liquid beneath the whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. It slid down the throat, coating and warming the insides, but this held a bitter aftertaste. Azure meant well, but Hunter was her husband, and she loved him. She did. Milly had loved him since they met. He was to be her whole world, forever. They took vows, shared a bed, and he ensured she was the best wife. How dare anyone assume she could leave? There were four children. She could not cope on her own, and they needed their father.

Milly stood handing Azure the half-drunk delight. She needed to be going. Leaving the children for so long had been a mistake. The words never left her mouth, but she feared angering Hunter. Azure put down the mugs, reaching for her hand. Milly snapped it to her body, backing away. She stumbled, Azure mere seconds behind her fall, too late to catch her. His apology earned him no favours even though it had not been his intention to upset her. Her belief that she deserved Hunter concerned her family and him. Worse, she saw herself as being alone in this world. Milly sucked in a harsh breath. She needed to get home.

She disregarded Eliza and Scarlett, heading straight for the exit. Azure reached for her hand again but let it slip from his grasp. He needed her to know she was not alone. Hunter could not appreciate the beautiful, creative and loving woman in his arms. So how could she expect her family to stand by and watch her get torn down? Scarlett rested her hand on Azure’s shoulder. They understood Milly had to come to this conclusion for herself. She and the children always had a home in the city. Eliza told Milly when she left with Hunter, the apartment was a safe place. Milly turned, the tears in her eyes betraying her. They could not understand Hunter or his love for her. When she made those vows, she did so because of that love. She would be his forever.

Azure and Milly: https://www.patreon.com/posts/chat-over-coffee-75787128

Azure and Milly: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ill-save-you-97044538

Azure and Scarlett: https://www.patreon.com/posts/talking-and-2-97168128

Milly: https://www.patreon.com/posts/simmerianne93-06-89105415

Milly: Intervention

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour

Milly rubbed her neck and shoulders. She squeezed the muscle, letting it slide between her fingers. The tension built up seemed worse since arranging to meet with Eliza. The presence of the handsome blue-haired stranger waiting for her did not help. She could hear the distant conversation between Azure and the babysitter. Her churlish laugh as he discussed ideas to improve their fitness. Milly could feel her stomach twist as she tried on dresses. She needed one that made her feel pretty. To avoid glancing at the babysitter, at eighteen years old and in possession of a slender frame. Milly, with her squishy, rounded figure, felt uncomfortable and unattractive. It made no sense she would care. Hunter loved her. He claimed to prefer the curvier woman.

Hunter had a gig in the city at the Skyline Lounge. They showcased talent from across Sim Nation. The competition yielded financial rewards and fame. They would perform alongside famous bands at a Charity concert in Sulani. It would be an all-expenses paid holiday for them and their family. Hunter stressed the importance of this opportunity for his and their future. Milly brushed her hand over her hips, smoothing her dress. She was about to betray Hunter and leave the children in the hands of a stranger. Azure offered an evening of music and conversation in the company of her cousins. So why did it feel this was all a mistake?

Azure placed his hand on the lower part of her back, and the warmth of it spread through her. It was a safe touch for the time it rested there. Milly relaxed as he guided her through the park to the tents and the sound of chatter. She had felt his gaze on her since she walked down the stairs, a warm smile as she gave a nervous twirl. As Eliza stepped from the crowd, the place on her back cooled. The cousins embraced as Azure headed towards the food stalls. He did not look back, and Milly tensed, her eyes darting around for the one person who would call Hunter.

During the Summer, Willow Creek hosted an event called Sims Sessions. There was a simple wood-framed stage with a piano, mic and guitar. Individuals or groups registered their interests before the event. The organisers ensured all musicians, poets, and pretentious comics got their chance. These were average people with inspiring talents, and Milly already envied them. Surrounding the area were food stands where local chefs enticed taste buds. She inhaled the various aromas, her mouth watering. The air here was crisp yet still held a warmth she could not enjoy in the arid desert of Oasis Springs. She shivered, taking a seat near the fire. Azure returned, handing her a hot chocolate. She managed a half smile, taking the mug with both hands. Scarlett bounced into the moment. They took Eliza’s hand and dragged her towards the stage. Music pumped over the speakers as Eliza and Scarlett danced like it was their wedding day.

Milly: https://uiakodoesstuff.tumblr.com/post/735818819843588096/prettyperfect

Milly and Azure: https://www.patreon.com/posts/chat-over-coffee-75787128

Milly: The Gift

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour

The boxes remained, robust green squares adorned with vibrant red tied in bows. They beckoned the inquisitive minds of James and Selena. Both hesitated to eat. The tempting, delicious food did little to please their curiosity. Hunter laid the law as he did with everything, and the presents remained unopened. A heaviness fell over the meal, with Eliza wanting to object. She could not see the harm in letting them have one. It would be a small treat before the infants awakened. Eliza wanted all four children to feel special. She knew from experience that the babies took the attention away from older siblings.

Right on cue, maybe by an intensive wish from James and Selena, the baby monitor crackled into life. A nervous Milly stood, retrieving milk from the fridge, listening to the cooing. She recognised her son Aiden. His voice was a soft cry to alert his mother that it was time to eat. Hunter leaned back in his chair, the proud father of having two strong lads to carry on the family name. A hint of disappointment dripped in his voice when noting how James alone would bear his green genes. He ruffled the thick blonde curls of James. His son shrank away from the touch. James wished he never asked why he looked so different to his siblings. Hunter always seemed so proud James was a miniature version of himself. It angered him that James would want ginger hair. Aiden suffered the misfortune or miscalculation of nature. But Hunter believed his guidance would determine the man his sons would grow to be.

Eliza shifted with growing unease, announcing she would accompany Milly upstairs. She took the warmed bottle making a swift exit to assist with the twins. Hunter narrowed his eyes. They wrinkled at the edges as his nostrils flared and thin lips disappeared into a line. The stare made Eliza’s skin crawl. She did not want to leave Scarlett with him, but she also would not back down from the decision to leave. Small green eyes gazed upwards, a daring and bold move if one wish could work, why not two? Hunter turned his stare on James and Selena, both were quick to look down at their untouched plates. James took the first bite, nudging his sister to do the same. Children who did not behave were undeserving of gifts. Scarlett straightened in their seat wanting to object. They dug nails into their thighs as Hunter continued to glare at the children. He thought it best Scarlett returned the gifts. The children did not look up, both ready to cry but neither daring. The meal continued in relative silence, the clinking of cutlery and chewing. Scarlett opened their mouth, then shovelled in another mouthful. It would be too easy to make matters worse for Milly and the children.

As the family settled on the sofas, Nadia and Aiden lay on their play mats. James and Selena kept their eyes lowered away from the presents. Their fingers fidgeting in their laps. Hunter told the twins they could open one present each. They walked over selecting a box. Every gift held an element of excitement, yet their enthusiasm waned at the sight of green. Still, they doubted Hunter would permit any alternatives. James embraced Eliza and Scarlett. Selena offered a smile but kept her distance. Despite the gifts, affection for strangers seemed inappropriate, even if they were family.

Milly: Approved Visit

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour

Hunter despised outside interference. He was reluctant to invite Eliza and Scarlett. Their presence was a most unwelcome experience. Their remarks were sharp, expressing their sense of distance from Milly. She was his wife, and they belonged together. He would not have her family trying to break his happy home. The number of unanswered messages on her phone irritated him. Something needed to change, so this lunch was his way of trying to end the intrusion. It seemed checking in with the cousins once a month on her behalf was unsatisfactory. Could they not understand Milly was busy with the children? They were unreasonable, expecting her to respond at all hours. He hoped an invitation to meet the newest arrivals would go some way to quell their need to know everything.

Milly hummed, busying herself with cooking, Selena at her side coping with her mother. James looked up from his homework. Hunter may have deemed it work for women, but it looked more fun than learning new words. The smell was not helping. James felt hungry and jealous of his sister getting to sample the goods. The presence of his father meant Selena and Milly would ignore him. Both feared repercussions as their had been in recent weeks. Hunter scolded Selena for letting James taste the soup. A small teaspoon held to his lips burnt his tongue and dripped onto the book he was reading. James had not cared. He desired inclusion, but witnessing Selena sent to her room seemed severe. Later that evening, he had crept downstairs for some water to see his mother crying. She spotted him and beckoned him in for a hug. It was a safe moment as Hunter had left. Milly whispered it was not his fault. Hunter just liked to see the world a certain way. James squeezed Milly tighter, a distant understanding of what their life entailed.

Eliza remained pleasant, entering the home and placing armfuls of gifts by the door. Crouching with open arms, she recognised Milly in the rounded face of Selena. The dense ginger curls and large green eyes seemed oversized for her face but were endearing. James paled next to his sister. Eliza could see the mirror image of Hunter, except with tight greenish-blonde curls. It unnerved Eliza that James would be a replica of his father. She hoped there was more of Milly in his personality. The twins stood together, glued to the spot and wary of the two strangers entering the home. Milly had shown them pictures, sharing stories of her life with Eliza. She romanticised how Scarlett became a part of their lives. James considered Eliza a grandmother figure. Her features were like Ziva’s, and her role in raising Milly supported the Grandma mantel. The notion of Eliza taking on this persona amused Milly. For Eliza, she sighed and stood, a sorrow in her eyes that she and they were so estranged.

Hunter broke the bittersweet introduction, ushering all to the kitchen. The food Milly prepared was too delicious to waste on sentimental ramblings. The addition of Scarlett needing to respect this was not his wife’s profession and did not go unnoticed. Hunter felt the need to request they also give Milly some pointers so she could improve. Milly lowered her eyes, self-conscious of the food Scarlett was about to eat. James and Selena had not budged. They eyed the pile of gifts, curious to know the contents. Hunter spoke with a stern voice, bringing disappointment to their intrigue. They picked at the food, wishing they could open at least one.

Scarlett and Eliza: https://www.patreon.com/posts/family-reunion-86147095?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

James and Selena: https://jitterysims.tumblr.com/post/728661350831849473/twin-children-pose-pack

Milly: First Day

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour

The two cribs resided in the smaller room. It took away space from Selena and left her to suffer restless nights. The room was narrow, with a large window at one end, bookmarked by a crib and bed. Nadia slept beside her brother further from the window, quiet and not demanding. Her presence at home did not ease the weeks of worry that she might not survive. What remained of the room contained a loveseat and dresser. Milly it crammed full of green clothes for the three children.

Hunter set aside the larger room next door for James. It provided ample space for him to stretch his muscles and receive the light needed for his growth. Hunter filled the space with toys and activities to stimulate his mind or escape his siblings. Science, music and art interspersed with voidcritters, books and sports. His wardrobe contained clothes which conformed to the green theme of their family. This restriction on colour was a growing issue for the twins as they loved colour. Their first day of school would already be difficult without a monotone wardrobe. Milly feared the lack of socialisation with other toddlers would make them shy.

School, how could Milly forget? Nadia commanded her undivided attention. Her baby girl became the sole focus of her devotion. Bringing her home and uniting all her children became all-consuming. So why did she find it surprising that she forgot James and Selena were starting school? Milly had planned this day in her mind. She would present herself at the door, smiling as the children in a conga line arrived at the gate. Milly would have two rucksacks, each with a notebook, pens and pencils aligned in case. Lunch would prepared the night before, a peanut butter jam for James and ham for Selena. She planned to incorporate apple slices and a cookie as a special treat for the first day.

The reality proved quite different from the one she imagined. The nurses adhered to a strict schedule for Nadia. It deviated from what Aiden had grown accustomed to. Milly felt exhausted, with one infant asleep and another awake. The remaining time Milly spent on the demands of the older twins. As she fell into bed, Hunter would return expecting her to attend to his needs. Saying “No” met with disappointment. What had he done to offend her? Did she no longer find him attractive? Or did jealousy of the women swooning over him each show stop her? Hunter would laugh, pinching her cheeks. His devotion to her should never be in question. She was the mother of his children. How could he ever love another woman? He wanted her in his bed.

Milly shuddered, returning her focus to preparing for the day. It had taken several weeks to sync her infant twins, at least for feeding and nap times. Nadia drank from her bottle, propped up on cushions, while Aiden consumed milk direct. Milly placed the twins in their cribs for the morning nap and glanced at the empty bed. Selena disagreed with the decision choice to gift a separate bedroom to James. Each night, Selena snuck into the bedroom. She unrolled a sleeping bag and camped beside her brother. Milly nudged the twins. She offered the promise of pancakes if they prepared themselves in silence.

Her vision of the ideal morning shattered. Milly hastily prepared lunch, pairing sandwiches with an unhealthy slice of cake. The scent of baby sick on her dress and unwashed hair ripped apart her fairy-tale image of the perfect mother. Yet nothing would stop Milly. She stood proud and watched them take their first steps into the outside world alone.

Milly: Aiden and Nadia

TW: Milly’s Story contains Coercive Behaviour

Aiden screamed, announcing his presence in the world. Liberated from the womb, Aiden expressed joy at the newfound freedom. He stretched, wriggled fingers, and curled toes. Two days after his birth, Milly pondered the mischief her son might embark upon as he developed and grew. A restless nature brought a greedy suckling motion when he latched to her breast. Aiden was quiet when he slept but cooed and gurgled with consistent curiosity. Forest green eyes searched the room, crying if no one was in his view. The need for attention was exhausting. Aiden wanted at least one person with him always.

Where this twin set differed more than her first was the bond between the twins. James and Selena were inseparable. Aiden seemed unfazed by the weeks separated from his sister. Nadia was under observation. She spent the initial period of her life on a ventilator. The wires and tubes dwarfed the tiny body further. The weight of blame rested as a millstone around her neck. Had Milly not waited so long before going to the hospital, had she ignored Hunter? If she had followed her instincts, would Nadia have come home? Instead, it seemed to Milly weeks passed with minimal improvement in her condition. She watched Aiden reach each new milestone. His toothless grin upon seeing her and the frustration of being unable to lift his head or rollover.

The praise Hunter lavished on his sons made Milly sick. Aiden could stick his hand in the dirty nappy, and Hunter would say the boy was curious. Selena had done the same at his age and was dirty, a vile creature Milly needed to teach appropriate manners. Hunter restricted hospital visits. He asserted that their three healthy children were well-cared for at home. The infrequent visits, brought Milly further discomfort. She detested the judgmental glances from the nurses, as if she were an unfit mother. The feeling intensified as the collection service awaited her expressed breast milk. The process did not hurt. There was some tingling and discomfort as the device suckled like a baby. The pain was mental. Hunter resented her for giving away the milk for Nadia, believing it denied Aiden the best start in life. Why feed a sickly child who would drain their energy and resources?

Milly wished Nadia had taken to the breast as the others had, but her daughter refused. She seemed unable to latch to the nipple or suckle the bottle. They inserted a tube via the nose or mouth, sending the milk to Nadia’s stomach. Gavage feeding was a clinical and invasive approach for a small person. She longed to hold her daughter without the attachments and to hear her cry, gurgle and coo. To watch her lift her head, roll onto her back or grab her sibling’s fingers. The nurses assured her these milestones would come. Milly buried her head in Aiden’s stomach, a sweet, powdery-smelling baby. She could not bear to stare into the empty crib where Nadia should lay.

Hunter and Aiden: https://www.patreon.com/posts/morning-baby-80855264