Without you. - [Chenford Story]

Chap 7 : Dad ?

Things hadn't changed much in nine years. Tim was still a sergeant at Mid-Wilshire. He had been in therapy for two years—it had helped him, but a part of him would never fully heal. He missed her every day but had learned to live with it. Ellie had obviously grown up; she was now an eight-year-old girl.

Tim was riding with his new rookie today when his phone rang.

"Bradford. What ? " (pause) "Be there in 10. Boot, Shaw Memorial now, and fast."

" Yes, sir."

Tim took a deep breath. It's going to be okay. Nothing serious.

Ten minutes later, the shop parked in front of the hospital.

" Wait here, Boot."

Tim got out of the shop and, on his way to the entrance, sent a text to Angela:

From Tim to Angela:
"I'm at Shaw Memorial. Ellie got hurt at school. I'm taking the rest of the day off. Could you advise Grey, please?"

At the ER front desk, Tim asked for his daughter, and the nurse gave him her room number. Being in this hospital for an emergency brought back bad memories. As he looked for her room, he finally spotted her face. She was lying on a bed, alone. Her eyes were red—she'd been crying.

He entered the room, and her face lit up slightly when she saw him.

" Daddy..."

" Hey, kiddo, I'm here."

He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. She had blood on her face and an ice pack on her right hand.


" What happened?"

" I was playing with my friend. I was standing on the little wall, and... I fell on my head and hand. When I opened my eyes, I saw blood, and my fingers hurt."

" Are you still in pain?"

" No, the nurse gave me something."

" You have to be more careful next time."

" I know. I'm sorry... but it was fun at the beginning!"

" Yeah, and look where it ended. Now you've got stitches on your beautiful face."

" Just like you, Dad! "

The doctor knocked on the door.

" Your daughter is fine, though she broke two fingers in her fall. She also got stitches on her forehead. There's no sign of a concussion for now. She can be discharged, but if she gets dizzy or starts throwing up, bring her back immediately. No sports for at least a month. I'm prescribing painkillers for her fingers, but only if she's in pain. Be careful, kiddo—I don't want to see you here again, understood? Have a nice day, officer."

" Thanks, doc! You ready?"

" Yes, ready to go."

He helped her stand up, cleaned her face, grabbed her backpack, and led her outside to the shop.

"Are we going home in your police car, Daddy?"

"Yes, but we're stopping by the station first. I need to change. Get in!"

She loved riding in her father's police car. She admired him for so many reasons.

Fifteen minutes later, the car parked at the station. Tim took her hand, and they walked inside. For Ellie, the station felt like home. Everyone knew her, and she knew everyone. They stopped by Angela's desk.

"Auntie, look at my scar!"

"Let me see that. You're such a Bradford!"

"Why do you say that?"

"Ask your dad... He's practically got a subscription to Shaw Memorial."

"Ang', please. Can you keep an eye on her while I'm in the locker room?"

"Of course."

As Tim walked off, Ellie tugged on Angela's sleeve.

"Auntie, can you show me my mom's picture again, please?"