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Today was a terrible day for Tim. Lucy was on maternity leave and had received a phone call from Angela that something went down on his call. The thing is, he was supposed to be on leave with her. He received a call that they needed him today because Pine was pulled away and they needed him.
Tim didn’t want to leave. Their daughter was not even two weeks old. Lucy told Tim to go, it was one day. Then to tell them he was taking his remaining four weeks of leave in peace. It was time to bond with his daughter and help his wife recover from major surgery.
Tim came home and went to the kitchen. Lucy slowly made her way to the kitchen. It still hurt to move and she’s forgotten her medicine today. She refuses to bring anything up to Tim.
“Baby.” Tim looks at her. He’s been crying and he looks defeated. “Oh Tim.” She wraps him in his arms, he looks so small sitting there. “I’ve got you.” She whispers into his ear. He puts his arms around Lucy, hugging her tight. She clenches her teeth hoping he doesn’t notice and thankfully he doesn’t.
“I’ve got you. Let it out. I’m here Tim.” She keeps whispering over and over. She’s so glad Maddie just finished feeding. She doesn’t want Tim alone right now. She holds him for almost an hour. He finally looks at her.
“I’m sorry Luce. You’re tired. You need sleep.” He starts to get up.
“Tim, stop. You’re more important. If you’re not okay, then I’m not. Do you want to talk about it?” He shakes his head yes. “Let’s go to the couch.”
He gets up and they slowly walk to the couch. Lucy is really hoping he doesn’t notice her walking slow or wincing in pain. She carefully sits down and he looks at her. He can sense something, but she urges him to talk instead.
“We were called to a domestic. The father beat his son within an inch of his life. He was protecting his sister. The mother did nothing to stop him. Why would she allow that? They barricaded the doors and wouldn’t let us in. We finally made entry and he put the gun to his sons head. Harris took the shot and killed him. His son may die and I couldn’t stop it. The girl was not injured. She was taken by the state. Turns out the mom was beating him too. She allowed this to happen.”
“Oh baby. I’m so sorry. It must have brought up awful memories. He didn’t deserve any of it and neither did you.”
“All I could think of was Maddie. My baby is so innocent. How can anyone do that to a child?”
“Baby. You aren’t him. I’m sorry you had to see that today. You’re the best daddy. No child deserves that. You tried to help him and that’s what counts. It may not seem like it now, but he’s alive because of you.”
“I don’t know Luce.” He puts his head in his hands as Lucy gets up. She grabs his hand and pulls him upstairs. They get in their room and she tells Tim to sit on the bed. He listens. His eyes are closed when he feels a hand on him.
He opens them and sees Lucy holding their beautiful baby girl. She’s her mothers twin and she’s so perfect. She hands the sleeping baby to Tim.
“You need this baby.” She whispers as she walks out of the room. She goes downstairs to lock up and lets out quiet sobs. She’s being strong for him. He needs it right now.
When she walks upstairs she hears Tim singing to their daughter.
You are my sunshine.
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don't take
My sunshine away
The other night, dear
As I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you
In my arms
When I awoke, dear
I was mistaken
So I hung my head and I cried
You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don't take
My sunshine away.
Lucy peaks in after it’s done and sees Tim rocking their baby.
“I will always protect you and your mama. I love you both so much and I will never hurt you. You have the best mom in the world Maddie. You’re so lucky baby girl.”
Lucy can’t stop the tears. “She’s lucky because you’re her dad.” Tim didn’t realize Lucy was there.
“I told you. You’re amazing.” She kisses his head and then their daughters. She puts Maddie back to sleep and goes back to Tim.
“I’m so sorry baby. That I left. I told them I’m not going back until my leaves up. I can see how much pain you’re in.”
“Tim I’m—“
“Lucy Bradford. You aren’t fine and it’s my fault. Did you take your meds today? I wish you would have just sat down and taken care of her. I know you want to do it all, but I need you to take it easy and recover baby.” He gently pushes her hair out of her face. He wipes the tears away.
“I promise I’m fine Tim. Let’s get some sleep okay?”
“Lucy, please.”
“Go put pajamas on. Sleep before she wakes up.” On queue she starts crying. Lucy grabs her and sits down, once again wincing. She pulls her shirt up and starts nursing.
Tim puts pajamas on and sits next to them as Lucy feeds her. Once she’s done, Lucy burps her.
“Let me change her.” Tim tells Lucy. She hands him the baby. He finishes changing her and lays her down. “Let’s get some sleep before she wakes up again.”
Lucy nods and tries to get into bed. The pain is almost unbearable. Tim’s by her side instantly. “When did you take something last?” She looks at him guiltily.
“Yesterday.” She whispers.
“Lucy. You haven’t taken anything since I left?” She shakes her head no and the tears start.
Tim goes to grab water and medicine. “Lucy you have to take care of yourself even if I’m not here. Please baby.”
“I just kind of forgot and didn’t want to miss her waking up.” She says shamefully.
He helps her into bed and wraps her from behind. “Tell me if this hurts.” He starts rubbing her belly softly.
“Tim..”
“You just gave birth. You’re beautiful. Let me help you.” He knows Lucy is feeling self conscious, but she gave birth to their daughter. She is always beautiful to him.
He can sense she’s exhausted. He starts singing their wedding song in her ear. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. He can feel her slowly falling asleep.
You look perfect tonight.
He quietly sings in her ear. Lucy is the singer normally and always comforts him with music. He’s so glad he can sing back to her.
“I love you baby. Sweet dreams.”
Tim falls asleep feeling loved and protected.