Chapter 24

THEN:

Sarah"s handstrembled as she stood in the nursery, carefully arranging stuffed animals on the shelves. The room felt empty without her daughter"s presence, and the silence seemed to amplify her worries. She couldn"t wait to bring her baby home, but the weight of responsibility settled heavily on her shoulders.

She glanced around the meticulously organized room, everything in its place, waiting for the joyful chaos that a child would undoubtedly bring. The soft glow of the nightlight cast a warm and comforting ambiance over the space. It was a haven, a sanctuary where they would nurture their daughter back to health.

As she folded a tiny shirt with trembling hands, Sarah"s thoughts drifted to Steven. He had been at the hospital with their daughter for several nights, leaving her alone in this empty house. The distance had made her yearn for their family to be whole again.

Sarah flitted from corner to corner of Victoria's room, her hands smoothing over the freshly laundered sheets, fluffing pillows that hadn't been laid upon in days. The scent of disinfectant lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the hospital they were finally leaving behind. Her heart thrummed with anticipation, each tick of the clock a blessing and a curse. Steven had been their rock, steadfast by their daughter"s bedside, while Sarah juggled the guilt of absence with the necessity of work and home.

A car engine hummed into the driveway, and her breath hitched. It was time. She peered through the window, watching Steven emerge, his strong arms cradling Victoria with a tenderness that brought tears to her eyes. She dashed outside, the breeze doing little to soothe her heated nerves.

"Let me help," she offered, reaching for her daughter.

Steven's gaze met hers, and there was a fierceness there that halted her mid-step.

"I got her," he said firmly, holding Victoria closer, denying Sarah the kiss she yearned to plant on her daughter's forehead. "Just grab the bag, please."

Sarah"s fingers grazed the duffel bag, which was heavy with medications and care instructions. She felt an odd twinge in her chest, unspoken questions swirling in her mind, but she pressed them away and followed Steven inside.

In Victoria's room, the world seemed to shrink down to the three of them. Sarah hovered by the bed as Steven gently laid Victoria down. The little girl's eyelids fluttered, and her eyes opened, bright and clear.

"Hi, Mommy," Victoria's voice was a melody to Sarah's ears.

"Hi, sweetie," Sarah choked out, her smile trembling. "I"m so glad to have you home."

"Me too, Mommy."

Sarah brushed a stray lock of hair from Victoria"s forehead. "I have missed you so much."

Victoria"s brow furrowed with childlike innocence. "What"s wrong with me, Mommy?"

Before Sarah could respond, Steven"s voice cut through, steady and sure.

"You"re sick," he said, tucking the blankets around Victoria"s small frame. His words were gentle, but they carried the weight of their new reality. "You"re very sick. But don"t worry, I"ll take care of you."

Sarah nodded, a silent sentinel at the foot of the bed, her worries multiplying like shadows at dusk. She forced a smile, willing it to be enough for both her daughter and herself. Somehow, it just didn't seem like she was enough.