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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Days had passed since that fateful incident, and Thomas had barely left Ellie's side. The village hospital had become his refuge, his sanctuary from the world outside. But reality started seeping back in, reminding him of his responsibilities at Downton Abbey. With a heavy heart, Thomas knew he needed to return and face the challenges awaiting him there.
Reluctantly, he made his way back to Downton, mustering the strength to approach Mr. Carson.
His voice trembled as he addressed the older man, "Mr. Carson, may I have a moment of your time, please? I need to speak with Lord Grantham."
Mr. Carson regarded Thomas with a mix of concern and curiosity. He had known Thomas for years, witnessing his struggles and growth within the Abbey's walls. He nodded solemnly and gestured for Thomas to follow him to Lord Grantham's study.
They entered the study, where Lord Grantham sat at his desk, engrossed in paperwork. Thomas swallowed hard, his palms moist with anxiety. "My Lord," he began, his voice quivering, "I come to you as a father in desperate need. My daughter, Ellie, she's in the hospital. The boys at school, they... they attacked her."
Thomas paused, struggling to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. Lord Grantham's eyes widened, his gaze shifting from Thomas to Mr. Carson, his concern evident. "Thomas, this is dreadful news. How is Ellie? Is she going to be all right?"
Thomas sighed heavily, his voice choked with emotion. "She has a fractured skull and arm, and the doctors say she has mild internal injuries. But she's a strong girl, my Lord. She's fighting. They're taking good care of her, and I won't leave her side until she's better."
Lord Grantham's face softened, his voice filled with empathy, "Of course, Barrow. Your devotion to Ellie is commendable. I pray she recovers swiftly. But tell me, what is it you seek from me."
"I want to be there for her, to care for her as only a father can. I need your permission to take a leave of absence, M'lord, to be with Ellie until she recovers."
Lord Grantham leaned back in his chair, his face etched with concern. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "I can't even begin to imagine the pain and anguish you must be feeling. Your dedication to your daughter is commendable, and I understand your desire to be by her side. You have my full support."
Relief washed over Thomas, mingling with the residual worry that still clung to him. "Thank you, M'lord."
Lord Grantham nodded, his eyes filled with compassion. "Take all the time you need, Thomas. Family comes first, always. We will manage without you for as long as necessary. And please, keep me informed of Ellie's progress. If there's anything I can do to assist, you need only ask."
Thomas felt a renewed surge of gratitude and relief as he left Lord Grantham's study. Though the road ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, he was comforted by the knowledge that he had the support of the Crawley family behind him. Their understanding and empathy gave him strength, enabling him to face the uncertain future with renewed determination.
As he made his way back to the hospital, Thomas carried within him a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that he would face countless hurdles in caring for Ellie, but he was ready to face them head-on. The bond between a father and his daughter was unbreakable, and Thomas was determined to give Ellie all the love and support she needed to overcome the obstacles she faced.
~
As the minutes turned into hours, Ellie stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Thomas rushed to her side, his voice filled with concern, "Ellie, my darling, it's Daddy. I'm here."
Confusion clouded Ellie's eyes, and Thomas could see the disorientation on her face. She was struggling to make sense of her surroundings, a fact that tore at his heart. He longed to take away her pain, to shield her from the harsh realities of the world.
"Daddy?" Ellie whispered, her voice trembling.
Thomas reached out and gently squeezed her tiny hand, his voice filled with reassurance, "Yes, sweetheart, it's me. You're safe now. Daddy's right here with you."
But soon, the look of confusion gave way to panic. Ellie's face contorted with fear, and Thomas could see the desperation in her eyes. It was clear that she needed to be sick, and quickly. Without a moment's hesitation, Thomas sprang into action.
Frantically scanning the room, he spotted a bedpan tucked away under Ellie's bed. Swiftly, he snatched it up and held it beneath her chin, his heart racing. He murmured soothing words, trying to calm her, "It's okay, Ellie. Just let it out. Daddy's got you."
And then it happened. Ellie's small body convulsed, and she retched into the bedpan, her tiny frame wracked with sobs. Thomas held her, his strong arms providing a safe harbour amid the storm. He felt a mix of anguish and relief, his heart breaking for his daughter, yet grateful that he could be there for her in this moment of need.
His heart ached as he watched her body convulse with each heave, her small frame wracked with discomfort.
"Shh, my darling. It's okay," Thomas whispered, his voice laced with tenderness, as he gently wiped Ellie's mouth with a tissue. His touch was gentle, his hands steady, despite the torrent of emotions raging within him.
As Ellie's trembling subsided, Thomas gently wiped away the tears from her flushed cheeks. He cradled her fragile form in his arms, whispering words of comfort and love. In that tender moment, he realised the depth of his devotion to his daughter. Nothing could break the bond they shared, not even the cruelest of circumstances.
"I'm here, Ellie. Daddy's here," he murmured, his voice soothing, as he stroked her hair with a gentle touch. "You're going to be okay, sweetheart."
As Ellie's body gradually calmed, Thomas felt a mix of relief and anguish. The fear in her eyes slowly gave way to exhaustion, and she slumped back against the pillows, spent from the ordeal.
As the hours stretched into the night, Thomas never left Ellie's side. He slept fitfully in the uncomfortable hospital chair, his hand clutching hers, unwilling to let go. He dreamed of a future where his daughter could be free from pain, where she could run and play like other children her age. And he vowed, in the depths of his soul, to make that dream a reality.
