His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 79

Thomas Barrow sat slouched in a worn-out armchair, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. The pale light of dawn filtered through the hospital window, casting a soft glow on the room. It had been a long, agonising night, filled with worry and fear for his beloved daughter. As she lay motionless in the hospital bed.

As the first rays of sunlight kissed the room, Thomas stirred from his restless sleep. He blinked away the remnants of sleep, his gaze immediately falling upon Ellie's still form. His heart ached.

Tears welled up in Thomas's eyes as he reached out a trembling hand to stroke Ellie's hair. His touch was gentle, like a whisper against her porcelain skin. "Good morning, my darling," he whispered, his voice laced with a mixture of relief and sorrow. "It's time to wake up, Ellie."

A faint murmur escaped Ellie's lips as she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing the pale green orbs that mirrored her father's. Confusion clouded her gaze, but as she caught sight of her father, a flicker of recognition sparked in her eyes. She attempted to move but it only resulted in her wincing in pain as the movement caused discomfort.

Thomas leaned closer, his heart swelling with love and concern. He brushed aside a few stray strands of hair that clung to Ellie's forehead, his touch feather-light. "Take your time, my sweet girl," he said, his voice filled with tenderness. "There's no rush."

Ellie's lips curled into a weak smile, her trust in her father unwavering. Her voice was barely a whisper as she spoke, her words strained with effort. "Daddy," she breathed, her voice filled with both relief and pain. "H - hurts..."

Thomas fought back tears, his throat tightening with a mix of emotions. He longed to take away Ellie's pain, to shield her from the cruelties of the world. But he also knew that he had to be strong for her, to provide the love and support she needed to heal. "I know, my love," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You've been through a lot."

He leaned forward, pressing his lips to Ellie's forehead, and he closed his eyes.

The room was filled with a palpable sense of love and vulnerability, a sacred space where a father's fierce devotion clashed with the cruel reality of the world outside. Thomas knew the pain his daughter had endured, the torment she had faced simply because she was different. It tore at his heart, fuelling a determination to protect her at all costs.

Before long Ellie's eyes began to droop with exhaustion. "Rest now, my brave girl," he whispered, his voice filled with both love and sorrow. "I'll be right here, watching over you."

Thomas settled back into the chair, his gaze never leaving Ellie's peaceful face. He was a man of resilience, accustomed to the trials life had thrown at him, but his love for Ellie had unlocked a strength within him that he had never known before.

The minutes turned into hours, and as the morning light spilled into the room, Thomas remained steadfast at Ellie's side. He watched as she slept, her small chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. It was in these quiet moments that he found solace, drawing strength from the innocence and vulnerability of his daughter.

In the depths of his heart, Thomas knew that the road ahead would be challenging. The scars from this latest assault, both physical and emotional, would take time to heal. But he also knew that he would face whatever lay ahead with unwavering determination, for his love for Ellie knew no bounds.

~

When Ellie woke again, a nurse entered the room, a tray with Ellie's breakfast balanced carefully in her hands. She greeted Thomas with a warm smile before turning her attention to Ellie. "Good morning, Ellie," the nurse said kindly. "I've brought you some breakfast. Let's get you sitting up, shall we?"

Thomas nodded gratefully, his eyes filled with appreciation for the nurse's care. He propped up pillows behind Ellie's back, creating a comfortable support for her fragile body. Gently, he lifted Ellie into a sitting position, his hands steady despite the tremor of worry running through his veins.

As he fed Ellie, Thomas couldn't help but reflect on his own journey as a father. When Ellie had been born, he had faced judgment and prejudice from some, but he had stood tall, defying the expectations of society. He had carried Ellie in his own body and from that moment, he had known that his purpose in life was to be her father.

Though Ellie faced physical challenges, her spirit remained indomitable. She possessed an infectious joy that radiated from her, captivating all who had the privilege of knowing her. Thomas marvelled at her ability to find happiness in the smallest of things, her resilience a constant reminder of the strength that resided within her.

As Ellie finished her breakfast and he put the bowl to one side he heard her speak up.

"Daddy c - can we have cuddles?"

"Of course we can sweetheart.", he replied softly.

Thomas's heart swelled with both joy and sadness. Joy, because despite her pain, Ellie still sought the warmth of her father's embrace. Sadness, because he couldn't shield her from the cruelty of the world. But he could offer her the love she craved, the solace of his arms wrapped around her.

Gently lifting Ellie into his arms, Thomas settled himself beside her on the hospital bed, careful not to disturb her injuries. He enveloped her in a cocoon of love, cradling her fragile body against his chest. Ellie's head rested against Thomas's shoulder, finding comfort in the steady beat of his heart.

As the morning sun continued its ascent, Thomas held Ellie in his arms, their love and connection transcending the pain and sorrow that had befallen them. In that moment, surrounded by the gentle hum of the hospital and the rhythmic breathing of his daughter, Thomas vowed to fight for justice, to ensure that Ellie's attackers would face the consequences of their actions.