Our little star had the most intense nightmare last night, screaming so loud it pulled all three of us from our beds in a panic. Susan got there first with her force field already shimmering around the crib. Luna had ice forming on her fingertips, ready to freeze any threat. And I... let's just say my psychic blade was fully manifested and looking for something to eviscerate.

Turns out it was just a bad dream. So we did what any mothers would do. We piled into the big bed, a tangle of limbs and comfort. Susan’s invisible hands stroking their hair, Luna humming a soft lullaby, and me projecting calm, peaceful thoughts directly into their mind until their breathing slowed.

There’s no greater feeling than being the fortress they need. My powerful body curled around them, their head on my chest, my thick thighs cradling them. Feeling that tiny, trusting warmth between us, knowing our child feels safest surrounded by our strength, our softness, our love... and the implicit promise that we would literally tear apart any reality that dared to harm them.

Now who wants pancakes?