His Daughter

Chapter 5

  -Is daddy going to be okay?- Jenny asked from the doorway, gripping her fairy princess wand tightly. Greg hissed as Gabbie pulled on one of the stitches she made, before proceeding up his leg.

- He is going to be alright Jenny...- Gabbie said colourlessly before pulling on yet another stitch, causing Greg to yelp in pain. Jenny winced from where she was standing, her face contorting before letting out a tiny sob.

- Daddy is in pain mom....- she whispered. Gabbie sighed, putting the needle away before turning to their daughter. Greg could feel a bile raise in his throat, sensing Gabbie's growing agitation with constant questions. He was about to speak up and reassure the girl, that he is in fact alright or so he thought, but before he could speak up Gabbie opened her mouth.

-Jenny, dad will be just fine. You see before you were born, mommy was studying to become a kind of a doctor, so I assure you he will be alright. How about you go get ready to sleep, huh?-She asked somewhat good-naturedly. Greg could see that Gabbie was trying her best to remain patient with their daughter and he appreciated that. She even sounded a bit like mother, taking a responsibility to placate Jenny, which rarely happened. Although some of the hurt feeling still dwelled within him, Greg was glad she was handling it, maybe a bit proud even. Could it be that the progress has not been lost after all?

-But-But..- Jenny uttered shyly, clearly unsure of herself. Afterall her mother was a little bit less predictable than dad and would usually not handle crisis well. Greg could see the gears in her head work as the little girl readjusted her pink glasses.

-But are you sure?- she asked timidly, looking at the floor.

- Yes, I am sure. Jenny, honey, I need your help. Mommy will patch daddy up and I need a big girl to take care of herself this evening, alright? I will come check on you and read you a story to sleep. How does that sound?- Gabbie said, kneeling in front of Jenny, so she would be on her eye level. Jenny looked uncomfortable in this close of proximity with Gabbie, since her mother rarely offered affection especially in times of hardship. Gabbie leaned in hugging Jenny rather stiffly, bringing her closer and Gabbie's head rested on her little shoulder. Despite the hug being awkward and definitely longer than it should be, Greg could see the mix of emotions behind it. Was it her way to apologise? He did not know, but he was glad it was happening.

Gabbie soon let the girl go, allowing Jenny to quietly back away until she disappeared down the corridor. His wife kneeled once more, picking the left tools before returning to her work.

- You handled it very well...- Greg started, before another pull made him hiss. Gabbie hummed in acknowledgement. They sat there in silence for a few minutes before the woman spoke up quietly.

- I try...- Greg smiled crookedly at her words, looking down at the crown of her head.

-Gabbie I- I am sorry about today....- he said in hushed voice. – I... I did not mean what I said...

- But you said it anyway...

- I know, but... I was angry and...- Gabbie raised one of her hands to silence him as she tied yet another knot halfway the length of his calf. She stopped for a second, seemingly to think, before sighing.

- I know... Truly, I think I have said some stuff that I shouldn't have. I- I don't know why I brought her up. I know it upsets you and I did it anyway... I guess both of us didn't really mean what we were saying, huh?- she laughed sadly. Greg looked away, feeling the crippling guilt take over his body.

- I was concerned Gabbie, you know how daughter is...

- Let's not talk about it now...- Gabbie mumbled, focusing once again. – I am tired of fighting all the time and just want to make up...