When Sarah was still uncomfortable that evening, Olivia and Elliot encouraged her to take the naproxen as Amita had recommended. "Why don't you take it after you nurse at midnight, like she suggested?" Elliot said. "Then Olivia or I can come feed Emmy at 3:00 and you won't have to nurse again until 6:00." Sarah was now comfortable enough with Elliot that he and Olivia were both helping her at night. "I picked up a baby monitor today," he said.
"Oh good," Sarah said. "I'm glad you can sleep in your bed again," she said to Olivia.
"I haven't minded," Olivia reassured her. "I'm enjoying the time with you and Emmy."
Olivia and Elliot were concerned when Tiger came into their bedroom, shortly before 6:00 a.m., barking urgently. "This isn't like him at all," Olivia said, worriedly. "What's wrong, Tiger?" Tiger bounded to the door and looked back at them expectantly, still barking. "I think he wants us to come with him," Olivia said.
They followed Tiger downstairs where they heard Emmy crying. "Oh Tiger," Olivia exclaimed. "You are such a good boy. Thank you for letting us know Emmy needed us," she said, grabbing a treat for him and nuzzling him quickly before following Elliot into the guest bedroom.
"I don't think Emmy has been awake long," Elliot said, already holding her, "but why didn't we hear her on the monitor? And I'm worried Sarah is still asleep," he added, frowning.
Olivia woke Sarah up, while Elliot soothed Emmy. Sarah seemed groggy and disoriented. "What's wrong?" Olivia asked her.
"I think the painkiller made me really drowsy," Sarah responded, yawning. "I still feel foggy."
Olivia sat with Sarah as she nursed Emmy, while Elliot went to check on the baby monitor. He came back a few minutes later. "We must have knocked the charger out of the monitor," he said. "It was just slightly out, and we didn't realize it wasn't charging. I'm so sorry. I don't think Emmy was up long before Tiger came and got us."
"Emmy is fine," Sarah said, reassuringly. "Tiger, you did such a good job protecting us. Thank you," she said, looking at him. Sarah was still nursing, but both Elliot and Olivia rubbed Tiger affectionately.
"Good job, buddy," Elliot told him. "You saved the day this morning, Tiger."
"I texted Amita," he told Sarah. "She was surprised you were that drowsy but said to take half a pill instead if you need it again."
"My grogginess is fading," Sarah said. Once Sarah was on the couch, Tiger curled next to her, and she petted him and scratched behind his ears. "I feel so safe knowing you're here to watch over us," she murmured. "Thanks for taking care of us this morning."
"Is it okay to give him another treat?" She asked Elliot.
"He deserves it," Elliot responded. He brought one to Sarah, who fed it to the happy dog.
