The baby monitor crackles, before the sound of crying fills the master bedroom. Owen opens his eyes and groans.
"Didn't you just get back to bed?" Cristina mumbles, beside him.
"Feels like it." Owen yawns. Neither of them move, while Diego continues to cry. "I can't move. I'm too tired. I just fed him and changed his diaper."
"You're the one on parental leave," Cristina says. "I have to be ready to cut in three hours."
Through the monitor, they hear someone else. "Shhhh shhhh shhhh."
Cristina rolls over and rests her head against Owen's shoulder, as they listen.
"You seriously must stop this." Mallory's voice comes through the monitor. Her parents chuckle.
Diego's cries subside.
"It is still dark outside," Mallory continues. "If you're going to stay, you have to let everyone sleep."
"She knows nothing about babies," Cristina says, closing her eyes.
"Mommy and Daddy work very hard," Mallory says. "They get super cranky if you keep waking them up."
"True," Owen yawns.
"Now I'm going to sing you a song and then go back to bed," Mallory announces. "I expect you to be quiet, okay?"
Owen grins in the dark, as Mallory starts to sing. He listens to Cristina's breathing, as she sleeps. He closes his eyes, listening to Mallory's sweet voice. When she finishes, all is silent.
"Good night, baby brother." Her tone is softer. "I love you."
Owen smiles as he drifts off to sleep again. All is well.
