This story is actually based off of what happened when I came home from Europe (for the first time). The body aches for me were so bad, I compare them to nightmare aches for those who have had them (and I have).
"Niamh, what are you doing up so early?"
Della asked as she saw Niamh in the family room staring at the fireplace as Niamh looked up,
"Everything hurts, Mom."
Della sighed.
Jet lag.
"I know, honey. Dad was that way too when we landed in Ireland. This is completely normal."
Niamh sighed as Della sat on the couch as she snuggled close as Della rubbed Niamh's shoulders as Niamh fell back to sleep, feeling safe in Della's arms.
Ella walked in, having heard voices.
"Mama?"
Della looked up and smiled motioning with her head for Ella to join them as she snuggled her daughters close before Ella spoke up,
"Is she OK?"
Della nodded,
"She's dealing with jet lag. Which is a fancy term for extreme exhaustion from traveling across different time zones. Daddy had it just as bad when we landed in Ireland. She's experiencing pretty bad body aches, which is completely normal."
Ella nodded,
"How did you take to the jet lag?"
Della chuckled,
"I only dealt with the fatigue. Same as now."
Ella nodded as Perry walked in as Ella went back to her room as she began to read her books as Niamh woke up and smiled at Perry,
"Hi, Dad."
Perry smiled as Niamh snuggled close to him,
"You, too?"
Perry asked as Niamh nodded,
"How bad?"
"A little better than when Mom and I landed in Ireland. I can only imagine that it's worse for you because this is your first time in a new country."
Niamh nodded,
"I hope it gets better. It's making me scared."
Perry nodded,
"It's OK, what you're going through is completely normal for some people. Just know that Mom, your brother and sister, and I love you very much."
Niamh and Perry snuggled together on the couch for a few hours and the family had a wonderful day.