“I just don’t understand,” Pristine Melody shook her head, pacing throughout the room. “They’re bein’ so distant with me. And lately, they won’t even talk to me or look me in the eye. I jus’ don’t know why!” She turned pleadingly to her husband. “Where did it all go wrong?”
 
“Dear,” Cursive Quill looked at her, “I thought we had the baby so you could distract yourself from them? Is that not what you wanted?”
 
“I was lonely and I needed somethin’ to fill that hole! I love our lil’ Jingle Bell with all my heart but…I didn’t think my older girls would grow even further away! It’s like they’re avoidin’ me now!”
 
“Don’t you see it’s because we had him? They probably think that you had him to replace them.”
 
“Why-“ Mel scoffed. “I’d never! I love all of my babies equally! Why can’t they see that?“
 
“When was the last time you reached out to them? You seem to spend all your time with Bel and I.”
 
“I’ve tried plenty of times!” Mel said defensively. “Like that time when…er…”
 
“Exactly!” Cursive pointed out. “You haven’t, and they probably think you’ve cut yourself off.” He lowered his eyes, looking down at her. “Put yourself in their horseshoes; your mothers got divorced and one just got remarried. She decides to have another baby and hardly ever talks to you. How do you think they feel?”
 
“I think they should care about my happiness!” Mel retorted. “I think YOU should care about my happiness too!”
 
“Pristine Melody?? You don’t think I care??” He snorted, an unusual look of anger flashing in his eyes. “I had a baby with you on a whim! I have done everything to make you happy! Everything I do is to make you happy!”
 
“I know, I just-“
 
“Do you even care about anyone other than yourself? Do you realize why your daughters don’t talk to you? You’re a mother, your children’s happiness comes first!” Cursive bit his lip, but continued, “I’m packing my bags and taking Bel with me to my parents, until you can figure out how to be a better mother.”
 
“Quilly, no, you can’t take the baby!” Mel choked up, tears forming in her eyes. “Don’t leave me!” She reached out to him desperately.
 
Cursive stepped away. “Don’t call me Quilly. I can do whatever I feel is best for us and our family.” He turned his back on her. “Goodbye, Pristine Melody.”
 
“No!! Please, don’t go!!!”
 
As her husband walked out with the baby, Mel screamed and cried out for them, the tears now pouring down her face in rivers. But there was no one there to hear her, for she was now alone.