Tw: Hospital, ICU, seizure, crying, sleep problems, doctors, nurses, anxiety, epilepsy, machines, panic attack, weakness in mussels, EEG, fear
Charlie's pov:
I know they've been through a lot these past few months, watching Nick struggle with his health, feeling the tension between us even when we try to hide it. They're smart, those two, and they pick up on more than we give them credit for.
I type out a quick text to Sarah:
Charlie: How are the girls?
I hesitate for a moment before hitting send, not wanting to burden her with more worry, but I need to know that they're okay. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes with her reply:
Sarah: The girls are doing well. We made cookies last night, and I let them stay up until they fell asleep on the couch. They miss you both, but they're being so strong. How's Nick?
I smile at the thought of the girls covered in flour, their faces smeared with chocolate, trying to stay awake long enough to see their dads. I can picture them curled up on the couch, their heads resting on Sarah's lap, waiting for us to come home.
Charlie: Nick's stable, I type back. He's still sleeping, but the doctors think he's going to be okay. I'll keep you updated.
Her response is quick, a relief:
Sarah: Thank God. We're all praying for him. Let me know if you need anything. The girls can stay with me if needed.
Charlie: Thank you, Sarah. I don't know what we'd do without you.
Sarah: You'd do the same for me, Charlie. Hang in there. You're both stronger than you know.
I put my phone away and look at Nick again, his face peaceful in sleep. I wish I could be as strong as Sarah thinks I am, but right now, I just feel tired—bone-deep, soul-crushing exhaustion that goes beyond the lack of sleep. It's the kind of tired that comes from fear, from carrying too much for too long, from loving someone so much that the thought of losing them is unbearable.
But I can't afford to be weak. Not now. Not when Nick needs me to be strong, when our girls need their dad to hold it together. I've got to keep going, to be the anchor that holds this family together, even if I feel like I'm barely holding on to myself.
The door to the room opens again, and this time it's the doctor who steps in...
YOU ARE READING
Boundless Love (book 3)
FanfictionThis story shows Nick and Charlie as they navigate the ups and downs of after hospital care, followed by the challenges of adulthood and parenthood. As they confront both physical and mental health obstacles, their love is put to the ultimate test...
