This is the story of Thomas Barrow.
Thomas Barrow has been working as the first footman at Downton Abbey for years. He's always been careful to keep his personal life hidden from the prying eyes of the other staff members and the Crawley family. Bu...
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As another few days go by, Thomas lay in the hospital bed, he could hear the soft rustling of footsteps approaching. His eyes were still heavy with sleep, but he struggled to open them to see who was coming to visit him.
As Anna walked into the room with Ellie on her hip, Thomas's face immediately lit up with a small smile as he slowly but surely sat himself up propping the pillows behind him. It was a relief to see his daughter's happy face, even if he was still feeling weak.
"Hey, Ellie," Thomas said, his voice a little hoarse. "Come here, love." He beckoned her over, and she clambered onto the bed next to him, snuggling up to his side.
"When can you come home?" Ellie asked, her big pale green eyes looking up at her father expectantly.
Thomas sighed. He knew it would be a while before he could leave the hospital, but he didn't want to worry his daughter. "Soon, sweetheart," he said, stroking her hair gently. "Daddy just needs to get better first."
Anna looked at Thomas with concern. "How are you feeling?" she asked.
Thomas shrugged weakly. "Better than I was a few days ago, I think," he said. I'm stable now, at least."
Anna nodded, but Thomas could see the worry etched on her face. She had been a rock for him over the past few days, taking care of Ellie and keeping him company during the long hours in the hospital. He was grateful for her support.
"How's Ellie been?" Thomas asked, turning his attention to his daughter.
Ellie beamed up at him. "Good!" she said, bouncing a little on the bed. "Auntie Anna and Auntie Daisy have been taking care of me. And I made a picture for you!" She held up a piece of paper covered in scribbles and crayon marks.
Thomas smiled, taking the picture from her and admiring it. It was a mess of colors and shapes, but he could make out the vague outline of a person. "It's beautiful, Ellie," he said. "Thank you darling."
Ellie grinned with pride, snuggling closer to her father. Thomas wrapped his arms around her, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. Despite everything he had been through in his life, he was grateful for his daughter and the love that they shared.
As they chatted, Ellie climbed onto her father's chest and snuggled in, her small hand resting on his chest. Thomas closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over him despite his illness.
As Anna watched the scene before her, she felt a lump form in her throat. Thomas may have been a complicated person, but he was also one of the most caring fathers she had ever seen. She knew that he would do anything for Ellie, even if it meant carrying her burden alone.
With a small smile, Anna left the room, giving the two of them a moment of peace. She knew that they needed it now more than ever.
Thomas snuggled closer to his daughter, pulling her into his arms.
"I've missed you so much, Ellie," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm sorry I couldn't be with you for the past few days. Daddy got really sick, but the doctors and nurses here took good care of me. I know you're worried about me, sweetheart," he continued. "But Daddy is feeling better now. I'm going to be okay, and I'll be home with you soon."
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his heart swelling with love and gratitude for the little girl who had changed his life in so many ways.
"Thank you for being my sunshine, Ellie," he whispered. "You make everything brighter."
Ellie giggled and reached up to pat his cheek.
Thomas felt a rush of joy and warmth at the simple touch, and he knew that no matter what challenges they faced in the future, he would always be grateful for the precious bond he shared with his daughter.
"I'm so lucky to have you, Ellie," Thomas whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me."
Before long it was time for Ellie and Anna to leave and head back to Downton.
"Can I stay with you, Daddy?" Ellie asked, her bottom lip quivering.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but you have to go home now," Thomas said, his voice gentle. "But I promise you can visit me again tomorrow, okay?"
Ellie nodded, but Thomas could see the disappointment in her eyes. He reached out a hand, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "I love you, Ellie," he said, his voice breaking.
"I love you too, Daddy," Ellie replied, leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek.
With that, Anna and Ellie made their way out of the hospital room. As Ellie looked forward to seeing her father again.
