His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 80

The sun's rays filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. It had been a long three weeks since Ellie's hospitalisation, and Thomas had never been more relieved to see his daughter's smiling face. Her little body had endured so much, but she was finally on the path to recovery.

With a sense of purpose, Thomas had briefly returned to Downton and packed his travelling case with some of his own belongings and a few items for Ellie. He knew he needed to take her away for a while, away from the prying eyes and judgmental whispers that lingered surrounding the incident. Downton had been their sanctuary, their home, but it held painful memories now. He couldn't bear the thought of Ellie being subjected to further cruelty.

As he entered Ellie's room at the hospital, her eyes widened in curiosity at the sight of the case. "Daddy, why do y - you have that case? Where a - are we going?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Thomas knelt down beside her bed, gently taking her small hand in his. "We're going on an adventure, darling," he replied, his voice filled with reassurance. "A journey to heal and find new beginnings."

Ellie's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Despite her tender age, she understood the world around her far more than most children her age. Her cerebral palsy had affected her balance, movement, and posture, but it hadn't diminished her intelligence or her spirit. She had seen the cruel side of humanity, yet her resilience remained unbroken.

"We're going to a place where we can breathe in the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on our skin, and let our souls heal," Thomas continued, his voice filled with hope. "It's a little cottage by the sea, surrounded by fields of wildflowers. We can spend our days exploring, laughing, and making new memories."

A smile crept across Ellie's face, lighting up the room. "Will there be seashells?" she asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

Thomas chuckled softly, a warm feeling spreading through his heart. "Oh, my darling, there will be seashells aplenty. We'll gather them and make the most beautiful collection the world has ever seen. We'll leave no shell unturned!"

Ellie giggled, her laughter echoing through the room. It was a sound that Thomas treasured more than anything in the world. He had fought against all odds to become a father, carrying Ellie in his own body and giving birth to her. She was his miracle, his reason to keep going.

He knew it wouldn't be an easy journey. They would face challenges, both physical and emotional. But he was determined to shield Ellie from the harshness of the world as much as he could, to provide her with a safe and loving haven.

~

Later that afternoon once she had been given the all clear by Doctor Clarkson, together they returned home and they made their way through the corridors of the Abbey, bidding farewell to the familiar faces and finding solace in the memories they had created within those walls. The staff, who had become an extended family to them, offered their well-wishes and promised to keep in touch.

The journey to the train station was filled with mixed emotions. Thomas couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that they were leaving behind the painful memories of the past few weeks. However, there was also a hint of sadness in his heart, as he thought about leaving Downton Abbey, a place that had been his home for so long.

As they arrived at the station, Thomas guided Ellie through the bustling crowds. Her cerebral palsy made it challenging for her to maintain her balance, but Thomas was always there to lend a supportive hand.

The overnight train from York to the coast was their ticket to a new beginning. Thomas had discovered a cottage by the sea in the newspaper a few days prior, and after a telephone call, he managed to secure the cottage and while gathering his savings and wages he knew he would be able to stay for at least six months and pay rent.

Settling into their seats on the train, Thomas couldn't help but feel a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. He looked at Ellie, who was staring out the window with wide eyes, taking in the sights and sounds of the train. Her innocence and resilience inspired him, giving him the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Ellie leaned her head against her father's shoulder, her exhaustion evident. Thomas held her close, whispering words of comfort and reassurance. He knew that healing would take time, both physically and emotionally, but he was determined to do everything in his power to help Ellie find her joy again.