Sarah Emmerson

To catch a break

The mother obeys the playful tumble of candlelight as it beckons her into the muggy room, and she breathes. Deeply. Her lungs are coated by the scent of lavender bath oil that it feels like all new mums are given, combined with burning wicks and melting wax. Her eyes relax and soften in the dimmed light. Her skin begins to prickle.