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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"Daddy, a - are you okay?" she asked in a soft voice.
Thomas smiled weakly at her. "Yes, darling, I'm fine. Just a bit tired," he said, trying to reassure her.
Ellie snuggled up to her father, Thomas wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He was grateful for her presence. Despite her young age, Ellie was a constant source of comfort and strength to him.
He adjusted Ellie so that she was sitting on his lap with her back to his chest. She leaned back against him and he could feel her warmth and hear the sound of her breathing. They talked about different things - the garden at Downton Abbey, the horses in the stable, and the flowers she had picked.
As they chatted, there was a knock at the door, and a nurse entered the room carrying a tray of porridge. "Good morning, Mr. Barrow," she said cheerfully. "I've brought your breakfast and some for your little girl too."
Thomas thanked her, and the nurse helped her to hold the bowl of porridge while Ellie fed herself. Thomas watched as she took spoonfuls of the warm, creamy mixture, her small hands moving with care and precision. He was proud of her resilience and determination, despite her physical challenges.
After the two had finished their breakfast the nurse returned to the room to clear away the now empty bowls and in return brought a game for them to play.
"I thought you and Ellie might like to play a game together," the nurse said, smiling at the two of them.
Thomas was taken aback by the nurse's kindness. He had always felt that people judged him and his daughter because of her disability, but this nurse seemed genuinely interested in helping them.
"Thank you, that's very kind of you," Thomas said, smiling gratefully at the nurse.
He opened the board game, and together he and Ellie played a game of Snakes and Ladders. Ellie was fascinated by the colourful board and the spinning dice, and Thomas was overjoyed to see his daughter smiling and laughing.
He and Ellie had always enjoyed playing games together, and it was happy to have a distraction from his illness.
"Okay, Ellie, it's your turn," Thomas said, rolling the dice and moving his game piece across the board. Ellie giggled and clapped her hands, reaching out to touch the colourful game pieces.
She moved her piece one space forward, and Thomas moved one of his pieces in response. He couldn't help but smile and watched as she concentrated on the game, her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth along with pure concentration in her eyes, it was the cutest thing ever.
They continued to play, the board game forgotten as they talked and laughed. For a moment, Thomas forgot all his worries and fears. He was just a father, playing with his daughter.
As the nurse came in to check on him, Thomas knew that he would never forget this moment. He would always treasure the time he spent with Ellie, no matter what the future held.
"I'll beat you n - next time, Daddy," Ellie said, grinning up at him.
Thomas smiled, his heart full. "We'll see about that, little one," he replied.
~
Despite her limitations, she was a happy child, always smiling and laughing, and Thomas loved her more than anything in the world.
Suddenly, something outside the window caught Ellie's attention. She turned her head and pointed, her eyes widening with wonder. Thomas followed her gaze and saw a group of birds.
"Look, Daddy!" Ellie said, her voice filled with excitement. "B - birds!"
Thomas smiled and leaned over to give her a hug. But as he did, Ellie did something he never expected. She slowly but surely climbed off the bed, using the edge of the mattress to steady herself. And then, with a look of fierce determination, she took her very first slow and wobbly unassisted steps without help.
Thomas gasped in shock as a broad smile appeared on his face and his eyes filled with happy tears. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Ellie had never been able to walk before, not without help, and now she was taking her first steps on her own, right in front of him.
"Ellie, you're walking!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with emotion. "You're walking!"
Ellie looked up at him, her face beaming with joy. She didn't quite understand what all the fuss was about, but she knew she had done something special.
"Daddy h - happy?" she asked standing by his bed once again, reaching up to touch his cheek as he picked her up and set her on his lap.
Thomas nodded, his eyes still glistening with tears. "Yes, sweetheart. Daddy's very, very happy."
For a few moments, they just held each other, father and daughter, reveling in the joy of the moment. Thomas felt a surge of pride and gratitude for his little girl, who had overcome so many obstacles in her short life.
She was his reason for living, his source of hope and joy.
"Ellie," he said, looking into her bright pale green eyes. "You're amazing, do you know that?"
Ellie giggled and hugged him tighter. "L - love Daddy," she said.
Thomas hugged her back, feeling the warmth of her body and the softness of her skin. He knew that life would never be easy for them, but he also knew that they had each other, and that was enough.
