Time with willow

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Enid's POV:

As Wednesday took Willow out to the store, Ethan and Ellie stayed close, sensing my need for support. They had witnessed my struggles firsthand since I returned from the hospital, and their empathy was both heartening and humbling.

"Mommy, do you want to try walking a little today?" Ethan asked tentatively, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination.

I looked at him, touched by his earnestness. "Yes, sweetheart, I think that's a good idea," I replied softly, mustering a small smile despite my lingering doubts.

Ellie chimed in, her voice filled with encouragement. "We'll be right here with you, Mommy. You can do it!"

With their gentle reassurances, I gathered my resolve. Slowly, I pushed myself up from the armchair, leaning on the nearby table for support. Every movement felt arduous, as if I were navigating unfamiliar terrain. Ethan and Ellie stood by my side, ready to offer their steadying hands.

Taking a deep breath, I took my first tentative steps across the room. Each step was a triumph over the doubts that had plagued me earlier. Ethan and Ellie walked alongside me, matching their pace to mine, their presence a pillar of strength.

"You're doing great, Mommy!" Ethan encouraged, his voice tinged with pride.

Ellie squeezed my hand gently. "We knew you could do it," she whispered, her eyes shining with admiration.

Their unwavering belief in me fueled my determination. I continued to walk slowly, focusing on each step, pushing aside the fear of stumbling or faltering. The room seemed to shrink around us, the curtains billowing gently in the breeze as if celebrating this small victory.

By the time Wednesday returned with Willow, I had made it halfway across the room. She paused in the doorway, her expression one of pleasant surprise mixed with pride. "Look at you, Enid," she remarked softly, setting the grocery bags down. "You're making incredible progress."

I glanced back at her, feeling a surge of gratitude for her constant support. "I had a little help," I admitted, smiling gratefully at Ethan and Ellie.

Wednesday crossed the room and joined us, Willow cradled in her arms. "That's what family is for," she said warmly, her eyes meeting mine with understanding.

As Willow gurgled happily, I felt a renewed sense of hope stirring within me. The road to recovery was still long and uncertain, but with the love and encouragement of my family, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, we would navigate this journey—one step at a time.

Enid's POV:

The evening sun cast a warm glow across the living room as I sat in my favorite armchair, watching Ethan and Ellie play with their toys on the floor. Wednesday was in the kitchen preparing dinner, and baby Willow lay contentedly in her crib nearby, cooing softly to herself. Despite the peaceful scene before me, a nagging worry gnawed at my heart.

Since my return from the hospital, I had cherished every moment with Willow, marveling at her tiny features and her infectious giggles. Yet, there were times when a fear crept in—fear that my prolonged absence had distanced me from her, fear that she might not recognize me as her mother.

I sighed softly, pushing aside those unsettling thoughts. Ethan looked up from his Legos, sensing my distraction. "Mommy, are you okay?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

I managed a reassuring smile. "Yes, sweetheart, I'm fine," I replied, my voice softer than intended. "Just thinking about a few things."

Ellie, always perceptive beyond her years, crawled over and climbed onto my lap. "You're worried about Willow, aren't you, Mommy?" she asked gently, her small hand reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair from my face.

I blinked back tears, surprised yet comforted by her insight. "Yes, Ellie," I admitted quietly, wrapping my arms around her. "I'm afraid she might forget me."

Ethan crawled over and joined us, his expression serious. "Willow won't forget you, Mommy," he insisted, his voice firm with conviction. "She knows you're her mom."

I hugged them both tightly, overwhelmed by their unwavering faith in me. Wednesday entered the room, her presence a calming anchor. She sensed the mood instantly, setting down a bowl of vegetables on the coffee table before kneeling beside us.

"What's on your mind, love?" she asked softly, her eyes meeting mine with concern.

I took a deep breath, trying to put my fears into words. "I just... I worry that Willow might not remember me," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've missed so much time with her."

Wednesday reached out and took my hand, her touch grounding me. "Enid, listen to me," she said earnestly, her gaze steady. "Willow knows you. She feels your love every day. And when she looks at you, she sees her mom—the one who cares for her with all her heart."

I nodded slowly, absorbing her words like a lifeline. Ethan and Ellie leaned in closer, their presence a reminder of the family bond that anchored me through uncertain times. As we sat together, a sense of determination took root within me—a resolve to bridge the gap I felt had grown between Willow and me.

Later that night, after dinner and bath time for the kids, Wednesday tucked Ethan and Ellie into bed while I lingered in Willow's nursery. She lay peacefully in her crib, her tiny chest rising and falling in rhythmic breaths. I approached quietly, hesitant yet determined.

"Hey there, Willow," I whispered, my voice a mix of tenderness and uncertainty. "It's Mommy."

Willow stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. A small smile spread across her face as she recognized my voice. I reached out, gently stroking her cheek with trembling fingers.

"You're growing so fast," I murmured, tracing the curve of her delicate ear. "I've missed you, sweetheart."

Willow cooed softly, reaching out to grasp my finger in her tiny hand. The touch sent a surge of warmth through me, melting away the lingering doubts. She knew me—her response was proof of the bond we shared, stronger than any separation.

In the days that followed, I made a concerted effort to spend more time with Willow, whether it was singing softly to her during nap time or cuddling her close as she explored her surroundings. Each moment reaffirmed our connection, easing my fears with every smile she bestowed upon me.

One afternoon, as I sat with Willow in the garden, the gentle breeze ruffling her wispy hair, Wednesday joined us with a tray of tea. She settled beside me, her eyes soft with understanding.

"How are you feeling now, Enid?" she asked quietly, pouring a cup of tea for each of us.

I smiled gratefully, savoring the warmth of the ceramic mug in my hands. "Better," I admitted, glancing down at Willow who was babbling happily in my lap. "I think she knows I'm her mom."

Wednesday nodded, her own smile gentle. "She does," she affirmed, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder. "And she adores you."

As the weeks passed, my confidence grew along with Willow's milestones. She began to crawl, her chubby legs propelling her across the carpet with determination. I cheered her on, celebrating each small victory as if it were a triumph for us both.

One evening, as I rocked Willow to sleep in my arms, I found myself humming a lullaby my own mother had sung to me. The melody wove through the air, filling the room with a sense of peace and contentment. Willow nestled closer, her breathing soft and steady.

"You're my little miracle, you know that?" I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I love you so much."

In that quiet moment, surrounded by the love of my family and cradling my precious daughter in my arms, I knew that nothing could diminish the bond we shared. Willow was a testament to resilience and the enduring power of love—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, family would always be there to lift me up and carry me forward.

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