Fear because the officer looked alarmed. Relief because she didn’t know how to make the baby stop crying, and it scared her. “What’s wrong?” Officer Jensen crossed the room in two strides and crouched in front of the baby, who now sat perched on her lap screaming furiously. “I don’t know.” Alyssa had to shout to be heard over the baby’s cries. “He ate the oatmeal just fine, and I thought he wanted to drink the bottle. He reaches for it and takes one gulp, then pushes it away. He just keeps screaming. Do you think he’s in pain? Did I do something wrong? The oatmeal wasn’t too hot—I checked it first.” The officer picked up the bottle. “Did you warm the bottle first?” “Warm it?” “If he’s used to drinking it warm, he might not take it cold.” “No, I didn’t warm it. I didn’t know. Let’s try that.” Alyssa watched, helping when needed, memorizing the steps, as Officer Jensen heated water in a cappuccino mug, then placed the bottle in the warm water to heat indirectly.
