While I was changing my sister’s newborn baby’s diaper, my six-year-old daughter pointed to her young cousin and asked, “Mom, what is that?” 
My sister had contacted me early that morning. She had recently given birth, was worn out and sleep deprived, and asked me to do her a favor by watching the baby for a few hours so she could rest.
Naturally, I concurred. That small one was beloved by my daughter and me.
My six-year-old was ecstatic; she sang lullabies, caressed her cousin’s small head, and rocked her gently.
A quiet day, gentle laughing, the smell of milk, and clean diapers—everything was serene and tranquil.
A few hours later, however, the infant awoke and let out a loud cry. I realized it was time to change her diaper.
When a baby is around, my daughter, who always likes to feel “grown up,” volunteered to help.
I spread a fresh cloth on the bed, set the infant down on it, and unbuttoned the diaper.
My kid froze, scowled, and inquired quietly as she pointed to her cousin:
— Mom What is that?
I felt my blood run cold as I looked in the direction she was pointing 
There were bluish-purple marks on the baby’s legs and stomach. She appeared to have been struck or squeezed.
I froze in disbelief.
— My dear… I said in a shaky voice, “Did you do this?”
“No, Mommy, I just kissed her,” she replied, her voice trembling, on the verge of tears.
A shiver went through my body. I called my sister right away. I informed her of my discovery when she responded.
After a prolonged period of silence, she spoke in an uncannily serene tone:
I was the one.
I didn’t comprehend at first.
— What are you saying?
– I succeeded. I simply couldn’t stand it any longer. She cried the entire night. I skipped meals and slept. I simply lost control; I didn’t mean to.
Uncertain of what to say, I sat in silence. Fear and pain squeezed my chest. I could picture her worn-out, shattered smile in my memory.
I realized that my sister wasn’t a monster. She was simply lost and worn out, and no one had realized how much she was struggling in time.
I’ve been going to see her practically every day since that day. I bring the baby along so she may sleep, go for a stroll, or just feel like a human again, not just a tired, worried mother.
I sometimes remember that day and see how near the edge she was. And how crucial it is to have a support system close by, someone who can lend a shoulder when needed.
