CHAPTER 1

Tonight, as Jane returned home from a long day at work. The babysitter had just left, and Elle was already asleep, or so Jane thought. She sighed with relief, craving the simple pleasures of a hot shower and a glass of wine. The stress of the day melted away as the warm water cascaded over her, the steam enveloping her like a comforting embrace.

Just as she began to relax, she heard the faint sound of the bathroom door creaking open. Jane turned, startled, to see Elle standing there, her little figure illuminated by the soft light. "Jane?" she said, her voice small and uncertain.

"What are you doing awake, sweetie?" Jane asked, stopping the water, instantly alert.

"I couldn't sleep," Elle admitted, rubbing her eyes. "Come to bed with me."

Jane felt a tug at her heart. She understood that Elle had been struggling with sleep lately, often feeling anxious when Jane wasn't close by. "Okay, but why don't you let me finish my shower first?" she suggested gently. "I'll be out in just a minute."

Elle looked down, her small shoulders slumping. "but I missed you," she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes.

"Alright, come here," Jane relented, stepping out of the shower and wrapping a towel around herself. She reached down to pick Elle up, feeling the familiar weight of her daughter's neediness. As she held her close, Elle snuggled into her shoulder.

"Why don't we sit on the couch for a bit?" Jane offered, knowing she needed to give Elle the comfort she craved, even as questions swirled in her head.

They settled onto the couch, Jane holding Elle tightly against her, feeling her little heartbeat against her own. "I'm here, Elle," she whispered softly, running her fingers through her daughter's hair. "I missed you too"

Elle sighed contentedly, her eyelids fluttering as she relaxed into Jane. "Your hair is wet," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I know, sweetie. I know," she replied, trying to soothe both Elle's feelings and her own. "Why don't you close your eyes."

The next few day, while Jane cherished their closeness, the constant need for physical affection and attention had begun to wear on her. She and Maura had poured over parenting books in search of answers. Some suggested not to indulge the clinginess, while others advocated for nurturing the child's need for comfort.

While working a case, Jane and Maura found themselves interviewing a child therapist named Dr. Collins. As they discussed the nuances of their investigation, Jane's mind drifted back to Elle. After the meeting, she decided to seize the opportunity.

"Dr. Collins, can I ask you a quick question?" Jane said, her voice tentative.

"Of course!," Dr. Collins replied, her smile warm and inviting.

Jane glanced at Maura, who nodded encouragingly. "Let's a 5 years old girl has been really clingy lately, especially at night. She struggles to sleep unless I'm right next to her. I've read a lot of conflicting advice, and I'm not sure what to do."

Dr. Collins tilted her head thoughtfully. "Clinginess can often be a child's way of expressing their need for security, especially after a significant change."

Jane sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Like being left with your father's childhood friend/ lover when he gets deployed after he recently adopted you, you think that's part of it. I want to be there for her, but I also worry that I'm creating a dependence on me."

"That's very detailed," Dr. Collins replied. "What I usually suggest is finding a balance. It's important to provide comfort while also encouraging independence. Have you tried establishing a nighttime routine?"

Jane nodded. "We have a routine, but she still gets upset if I'm not right there when she falls asleep."

"Perhaps you could create a 'transitional object' for her," Dr. Collins suggested. "Something she can hold onto when you're not around—a stuffed animal or a special blanket that reminds her of your presence. You can even incorporate it into your nighttime routine, like reading a story together with the object before bedtime."

Maura interjected, "That sounds promising."

Dr. Collins smiled at Maura. "Yeah! It's all about giving her the tools she needs to feel secure on her own."

Later that evening, when Jane returned home, she and Maura tried the idea but now the problem lays in Elle who couldn't choose what she prefers. She spent 2 hours going through her toys then Jane and Maura gave up, total fail. Jane and Maura, despite their expertise in solving cases, found themselves stumped by the complexities of parenting. Yet, the nights seemed to drag on as they took turns with Elle, who would wake up crying if she felt alone in the bed.

One particularly exhausting morning, Jane and Maura trudged into the precint, looking like zombies. Jane didn't even argue with Stanley, as they get coffee.

Jane rubbed her eyes and let out a sigh. "I think I might actually start functioning on coffee alone," she muttered.

Maura nodded in agreement, her normally bright eyes dulled by sleep deprivation. "I'm starting to think I need a scientific breakthrough to get through the day," she said, trying to muster a smile.

As they sit in the cafeteria, Frankie, wandered in, noticing their weary expressions. "What's up with you two? You look like you've been up all night," he teased.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Frankie," Jane replied dryly. "Elle's been waking up every few hours, and when she realizes I'm not in bed, she comes to find me. It's exhausting."

Frankie scratched his head thoughtfully. "Maybe ask Ma-."

"No," Jane interrupted.

"She might know something," Frankie suggested, looking proud of his idea. "She raised three kids."

Jane raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite her exhaustion. "Ma? Is it worth it thou?"

"It's worth a shot! At least you won't have to carry Elle around all night," Frankie replied with a shrug.

Later that evening, Jane tried a trick she and Maura thought of. Putting Jane's shirt over a pillow and tucking it with Elle. However, just a few hours later, Jane and Maura were jolted awake by the familiar sound of Elle's soft whimpering. Elle stood at the foot of the bed, clutching the shirt but clearly distressed.

"Jane!" she cried, her voice trembling. "I can't sleep! The shirt doesn't work!"

Jane groaned internally but quickly sat up, asks Maura to go back to sleep. "It's okay, honey. I'm here," she soothed, pulling Elle into her arms. "Let's try again, alright?"

As they settled back in bed, Jane felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her. The shirt had failed, but she needed to remain patient for Elle's sake. "How about we count the stars together?" Jane suggested, hoping to distract her.

Elle nodded, snuggling closer as they stared up at the ceiling. Jane started counting slowly, trying to create a soothing rhythm. "One… two… three…"

After what felt like ages, Elle's eyelids began to droop. Just as Jane thought she might be able to slip away, Elle's voice broke the silence. "Jane, I want to sleep with you and Maura?"

Jane sighed softly, knowing that she wanted to give Elle the comfort she needed, but also recognizing that this couldn't become a permanent routine. "Okay, You're a big girl and big girls sleep in their beds."

"Okay," Elle mumbled, her eyes finally closing.

The next few nights passed in a blur of wakefulness, with Jane and Maura continuing to rotate duties. Just when Jane thought they had found a rhythm, Elle would wake up again, seeking comfort.

Finally, one afternoon, Jane and Maura found themselves sitting at the café, The Dirty Robbers, near the precinct, sipping coffee and attempting to regain their sanity. "I can't keep this up," Jane admitted, rubbing her temples. "I love her, but I'm running on empty."

Maura leaned forward, her expression serious. "Maybe we need to rethink our approach."

Jane looked intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"Ask Angela for help."; says Maura as she hides behind her cup.

Jane sighs but takes out her phone texting Angela. Hi ma. I need help.

The phone buzzed in a second.

"Frankie told me. What if you gradually increase the distance between you and Elle at night? Like, start by sitting next to her until she falls asleep, then move a bit further away each night?"

Jane's eyes lit up with hope. "That could work!"

"It would give her a sense of security while teaching her to sleep on her own."; says Maura as she reads.

Jane returned home that evening ready to implement their plan. She sat on the edge of Elle's bed, holding her hand as they chatted about her day. Slowly, she began to inch away, allowing Elle to see that she was still there, just not right next to her.

After a few nights of this gradual separation, Jane noticed a difference. Elle began to sleep more soundly, and the cries for comfort became less frequent. Jane felt a weight lift off her shoulders.