The Devil Walks Among Us; Book l - Completed 4/21/22

Pathos

Michael held Mia close that night, laying on his side with her back against his chest, his right arm cradling her as well as keeping his palm on her sternum, monitoring her heartbeat as she slept. 'Sounds like heart palpitations.' Little John's diagnosis replayed like a broken record in his mind. Was she going to die?

Likely, she was not going to die, but it was still a serious matter at hand. According to Little John and his experience, it was not a life-threatening issue caused by an underlying illness. Likely caused by stress, recent trauma, and even after having a baby - it was manageable over time, but for now, his sole purpose was to get the issue resolved. If it came to anybody else? He didn't care. When it came to those closest to him, such as Mia, the John's, and especially Ella, there was no doubt he would give his life for.

She attempted to stir in her sleep, Michael's vice-like grip keeping her still as he was afraid he wouldn't be able to monitor her. He heard her sigh heavily in the dark, instantly knowing she was awake. "Michael, you don't have to be my own personal heart monitor."

"Someone has to if you can't." He replied, kissing below her ear.

She scoffed, "I didn't think it was an issue."

"And I didn't think it was normal."

She huffed, "I'll go get checked by the doctor tomorrow, okay? Ella already has her check-up due already and I called out of work so I can go to my insurance place to make a claim on the stupid house afterward."

"Want me to go with you?" He whispered, giving her the opportunity to say no. He knew she enjoyed her space and personal time and knew that he was a bit clingy at times, but he didn't care. He compared himself to a dog - he had that one person he was loyal to and it was Mia.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I mean I know I've been in your personal space lately."

She scoffed, grabbing his healing hand before bringing it up to her lips, placing a soft and reassuring kiss there, "You should know I'd tell you if you were, right?"

"I hope so."

*

The next day was warmer than expected, draining Mia mentally and physically as Michael drove around town. So far, Mia had planned on visiting two places throughout the day: insurance and the doctor's office. She sipped the water from her bottle as Michael turned into the parking lot of the clinic. "Go on ahead, I'll meet you there." He replied.

"I can feed her before I go in, Michael, it's not like I'm in dire need of medical assistance." She chuckled, watching him turn to look at her, his brow arching.

"I'll feed her while you go in and sign in and meet you there."

She huffed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay," She nodded. "I'll text you when I'm done signing in."

He nodded, watching her lean over the console to reward him with a kiss before reaching down to get the diaper bag from between her feet on the floorboard. He exited the truck, walking around the front before opening her door for her, watching her walk inside the clinic before he entered the backseat to feed Ella, holding her close to his chest as she latched onto her bottle, keeping her eyes closed a majority of the time. God, she's perfect.

Within a few minutes, Mia had let Michael know that she was being called back into the exam rooms of the clinic. Rushing, Michael carried Ella securely until he entered the clinic at the same time Mia was being escorted back, the nurse smiling at the sight before her. "Oh, look how beautiful!" She smiled as she looked at Ella's bright blue eyes as she was curious about her surroundings, Michael using his thumb to wipe away the stray rope of drool from her bottom lip, watching her smile at her father's touch before looking the other way.

"She's very curious." Mia chuckled.

"Oh, that she is. She'll be curious for the next several months before developing more of her motor skills. Before you know it, she'll be taking her first steps!"

For her three-month milestone, Ella weighed thirteen pounds and was almost twenty-four inches long. She was in excellent health and was making amazing progress. As for Mia, however, the doctor that looked at her did not give a promising clean bill of health. Having to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, her primary doctor giving an educated guess as her condition was minor heart palpitations likely caused by stress.