Underworld Ties

Shaved Heads

The late afternoon sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the room. Bobby stood at the counter, staring at the pile of paperwork that seemed to multiply by the day. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—work projects, treatment schedules, and the emotional toll Nicole's illness had taken on their family.

It had been three months since Nicole was diagnosed with stage 2 bone cancer, and the reality of their situation had hit hard. As her chemotherapy treatments progressed, she had lost her hair, a physical manifestation of the battle she was fighting. Bobby remembered the day she had come home, her eyes reflecting a mixture of vulnerability and strength.

### The Moment of Change

"Hey, sweetie," Nicole had said, her voice shaky as she ran her fingers over her thinning hair. "I think it's time."

Bobby had felt his heart clench at the sight of her, the woman who had always been so vibrant and full of life, now facing a harsh reality. "You want me to help you shave it?" he had asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Nicole had nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. "Yeah, I think it'll make it easier. I just... I don't want to see it fall out anymore."

As they sat in the bathroom, Bobby had set up a small chair with a towel draped over it. He found a pair of clippers and plugged them in, the buzzing sound filling the silence. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion, but they both knew this was a step toward reclaiming some control amid the chaos.

"Are you sure?" he had asked one last time, looking into her eyes.

"Absolutely," she had replied, a small smile breaking through her anxiety. "I want to own this, not let it own me."

### The Shaving

Bobby had taken a deep breath and started the clippers, the vibrations humming in his hands as he guided them gently over her scalp. The first swipe revealed skin that had been hidden beneath her hair for years. He'd felt a lump form in his throat as he watched the strands fall away, each one representing a piece of the life they had built together.

"It's just hair," she had said softly, trying to lighten the moment. "It'll grow back."

"Yeah, but you're stunning no matter what," he had replied, his voice thick with emotion. "This doesn't change how beautiful you are."

As he continued to shave her head, they talked about everything and nothing—about what they would do once this was all over, about the dreams they still had for their family. Bobby reminded her that she was still the same Nicole, the woman he had fallen in love with, and the woman who would fight this battle with every ounce of her being.

When he finished, he looked at her—his wife, his partner—and saw strength reflected back at him, even amid the tears. "You're amazing," he whispered.

### The Supportive Gesture

That night, as they sat together on the couch, Bobby felt a wave of conviction wash over him. "I'm going to do it too," he declared suddenly.

"Do what?" Nicole asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm going to shave my head," he said, determination in his voice. "I want you to know you're not in this alone."

Nicole looked at him, a mix of surprise and gratitude crossing her face. "You don't have to do that, Bobby."

"I want to," he insisted. "We're a team. I'm with you every step of the way."

The next day, Bobby stood in front of the mirror, clippers in hand, heart racing. He pressed the button and felt the familiar buzz. With each swipe, he felt lighter, as if shedding not just his hair but also the weight of uncertainty. When he finished, he stood there, staring at his reflection. He didn't recognize the man staring back, but he felt empowered by the choice he'd made.