Stupid, Love • shameless uk

018. Baby.

THE STERILE WHITE OF THE NEONATAL WARD... Was a stark contrast to the vibrant, chaotic life Kodi had envisioned for her daughter. Three weeks ago, it was a dream painted in pastels and whispers of baby giggles. Now, the reality was a cacophony of beeping machines and the sterile scent of antiseptic. It all came crashing down, literally, in the form of a speeding car and a screech of tires.

Kodi had been staring at her daughter, the tiny, fragile form nestled in the resuscitation bed. Her daughter was a wisp of a being, warm to the touch, her breaths shallow and labored despite the tubes and machines. This was not the healthy, bouncing baby she'd cradled in her dreams.

“We still haven't given her a name,” Malakai said, his voice tinged with a tremor of fear, mirroring her own.

“I'm scared if we officially give her a name, she...she'll leave?” Kodi confessed, the words laced with a whimper.

Malakai gently squeezed her hand, “Hey, she's a Maguire. We're survivors.” He placed a kiss upon her forehead, a gesture that held more than affection, it held a silent promise. Their baby shifted slightly in the bed, her tiny hand fluttering, almost reaching. “See, she even agrees,” Malakai whispered, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. Kodi couldn't help but laugh, a sound that was more of a choked giggle.

Their shared laugh was interrupted by Mimi, Malakai's mom, entering the room, a comforting tray of coffee and food in hand. “Hey, how's little munchkin doing?” she asked, her eyes bright with concern.

“She's doing great, Mum. I got to hold her hand today.” Malakai beamed, the fear momentarily forgotten in his joy.

Mimi took it all in, the fragility of their daughter, the worry etched on both their faces. “I brought you coffee, Kai. Go home and rest. I'll stay.” She handed him the tray, her voice firm yet laced with a mother's understanding.

“I don't want to leave her,” Malakai said, unable to tear his gaze from the small form.

“You've been here since seven, Kai. It's now one. Go home, sleep. I'll take care of both girls.”

Malakai nodded, a weary acceptance settling on his face. He kissed his mother's cheek, “Make sure Kodi eats,” he instructed, before exiting the room, leaving a weary but resolute Kodi with Mimi. As he closed the door, Mimi winked at him, a silent assurance that everything would be alright.

'I love you,' Malakai murmured, a faint echo of the love that he held for both his wife and the tiny fighter in the bed.