Nick and Charlie 6 years into the future

new sounds

The weeks had passed in a blur of everyday routines and little milestones. As the days inched closer to Oakley's appointment, both Nick and Charlie found themselves fluctuating between cautious optimism and quiet anxiety. Oakley had been doing so well with sign language, picking up signs quickly and communicating more each day. But today was another big step-one that carried its own set of uncertainties.

It was a crisp, cool morning as the family prepared to head to the doctor's office. Nick was bustling around the living room, packing the twins' bags with extra nappies, wipes, snacks, and of course, Oakley's favorite blanket for comfort. Charlie was upstairs, gently coaxing Oakley into his tiny jacket. Oakley was babbling happily, oblivious to the significance of the day ahead.

"Are you ready, little man?" Charlie asked, smiling down at Oakley as he fastened the last button on his coat. Oakley looked up at him, his big blue eyes full of curiosity, and nodded, though it was clear he didn't fully understand the question. Charlie's heart swelled with love and pride, but there was also a tinge of nervousness in his chest.

Charlie picked Oakley up, carrying him downstairs to where Nick was waiting with Lily, who was already bundled up and looking every bit the part of an inquisitive baby. She was clutching a small toy giraffe, her chubby fingers gripping it tightly.

"Got everything?" Charlie asked as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

Nick nodded, slinging the packed bag over his shoulder and giving Charlie a reassuring smile. "I think we're all set. How's our boy doing?"

"Ready as ever," Charlie replied, rubbing Oakley's back gently.

Nick looked at Oakley, his smile widening as he reached out to touch his son's cheek. "It's a big day, huh, buddy?"

Oakley tilted his head slightly, watching Nick's lips move, but without hearing the words, he simply smiled back, still unaware of the changes ahead.

With everything in place, they made their way out to the car. The drive to the doctor's office was quiet, the soft hum of the engine and the occasional murmur from Lily in the backseat the only sounds that filled the space. Nick reached over to give Charlie's hand a squeeze as they drove, the simple gesture communicating all the support and love that words couldn't quite express.

When they arrived at the doctor's office, Nick and Charlie carried the twins inside, their hearts pounding a little harder with each step. The receptionist greeted them warmly, and they were soon led to a small, cozy room where the audiologist, Dr. Hayes, was waiting.

Dr. Hayes was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor, the sort of person who exuded calmness and competence. She smiled as they entered, standing up to greet them.

"Good morning, Nick, Charlie," she said warmly, shaking their hands before turning her attention to Oakley. "And this must be Oakley. It's lovely to see you all again."

Oakley stared up at Dr. Hayes, his expression curious but cautious. Charlie could feel the tension in his small body as he held him close, and he kissed the top of Oakley's head in reassurance.

"Hi, Dr. Hayes," Charlie said, trying to keep his voice steady. "We're a little nervous, but we're excited to see how Oakley does with the hearing aids."

Dr. Hayes nodded, understanding evident in her eyes. "That's completely natural. We'll take everything one step at a time. I've got the hearing aids ready, and we'll just try them on today to see how Oakley responds. No pressure, no rush."

Nick and Charlie exchanged a glance, both feeling a bit more at ease with Dr. Hayes's calm approach. They sat down on the plush chairs in the room, Nick holding Lily on his lap as Charlie settled Oakley into his.