1.19 Day 19

4 AM, throwing up, dirty toilet.

Everything seems to check out. 

Taras is having a much more pleasant morning. 

"I'll catch you, Melor," he promises. He gives his best encouraging smile. 

On wobbly legs, Melor toddles towards his father. 

Sure enough, Taras catches him.

As fulfilling as fatherhood is, Taras still needs a break. When Nozomi comes in to relieve him, he doesn't pass up the opportunity for a long, hot shower. 

He also gets reacquainted with an old friend- sleep. 

Feeling more relaxed after her stomach settles down, Nozomi tiredly but gladly takes over parenting duties for the day. Soon, she'll be holding her new son or daughter this way. 

"Just between you and me, I'm hoping for a girl. Don't tell your father," she whispers conspiratorially to the toddler. Melor drools in response. 

Not pictured here: a plumber or an electrician. 

Also not pictured here: People who can afford a plumber or an electrician.

Nozomi hopes to change that. 

"I got a call from the hospital today..."

Taras looks up from his lunch, concerned. "Is there something wrong with the baby?" 

"Oh, god, no! They...actually offered me a gig, kind of. A performance for the kids in the pediatric wing. The doctors think seeing a magician will lift their spirits."

Well, if it makes the children happy, who is Taras to argue? 

Plus, money! 

"Sounds great, go for it!" 

Nozomi wastes no time throwing on her coat. 

"I'll be back before 5!"

. Her earlier concerns about working with children seem to be unfounded- they were absolutely ecstatic to see her! 

However, being children, she had to depart before their dinner time, leaving her with a lot of time before she promised to be home. 

Well, I could head home early...or...

"Heeey, Tia. Long time no see. What? I'm not calling for any reason..." 

She does eventually come back though. Taras's warm embrace makes her feel guilty for wanting to stay out. 

"I am so glad you're home! I'm about to pass out. Will you do the laundry?" 

Guilt gone. 

The dryer is not being particularly cooperative. 

"You rusty piece of-,"

"-garbage. Can you say garbage?" Nozomi only teaches her son the best vocabulary. 

"No? Ok, how about rebel? Sometimes society gives you a particular role, but that role is...not something you want, so you become a rebel... just like your mom and dad." 

Melor doesn't say anything. Maybe silence is its own form of rebellion. 

AN: Melor isn't actually that needy, but Nozomi and Taras take forever to satisfy their own needs, so with a kid on top of that, they barely get any sleep.