Chenford discovering love

Realisation hits

Moments later, Tim heard a familiar, comforting voice. Angela had arrived, her expression a mix of urgency and empathy as she hurried to his side. Without a word, she reached out and gripped his hand, grounding him with her steady presence.

"Tim," she whispered, her voice soft yet firm, "I'm here. They're doing everything they can." She could see the anguish etched in his face, and she tightened her grip, silently urging him to stay strong.

He exhaled shakily, his eyes not leaving Lucy. "She's barely hanging on, Angela. I didn't... I didn't think it would feel like this. I can't lose her." His voice cracked, each word a reflection of the depth of his fear.

Angela wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. "You won't lose her," she reassured him, her voice filled with conviction. "Lucy's strong. You know that. And she's got you waiting for her."

Tim's gaze stayed fixed on Lucy as the medical team continued working to stabilize her. He wanted so badly to reach out, to hold her hand, to make her feel his presence. Angela's support was a lifeline, a steadying force amid his whirlwind of worry.

As they stood there together, Tim felt a flicker of hope take root—small, fragile, but enough to keep him going. He wasn't alone. And somehow, he'd be there when Lucy opened her eyes again.

The doctor approached Tim, giving a reassuring nod before updating him. "We've managed to stabilize her, but she's still unconscious. We'll need to run further tests to ensure there are no complications."

Tim nodded, his gaze unwavering from Lucy, taking in the faint rise and fall of her chest with a mix of relief and residual fear. He knew this was only the start of her recovery.

Angela put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Tim, do you want me to go get the kids? I can bring them here so they can see she's okay when she wakes up."

He shook his head, his voice a quiet murmur. "No... I'll get them myself. I want to be the one to tell them." His jaw tightened slightly as he looked back at Lucy. "I need them to hear it from me."

Angela gave him a small, understanding nod. "Alright. Just let me know if you need anything. I'll be here."

Tim watched her go, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He knew Liv and Harry would need his reassurance, and he also needed them—they were the pieces of Lucy that would help him keep it together. He reached down, taking Lucy's hand gently in his own and whispered, "I'll be back soon, Luce. I promise."

With a final glance, he left her side, determined to bring their little family together to face this—no matter how uncertain the path ahead might be.

Tim left the hospital, heart heavy and mind racing, but his resolve was strong. As he drove to the daycare, he couldn't shake the memory of Lucy lying so still, the machines beeping softly around her. He took a deep breath, gripping the wheel as he reminded himself that he needed to be calm for Liv and Harry.

The drive was a blur of red lights and quiet streets, and each mile seemed to stretch on. He could picture Liv's bright smile and Harry's chubby hands reaching out, oblivious to the weight he was carrying. By the time he pulled up at the daycare, he took a moment to gather himself, steeling his emotions for the sake of his kids.

As soon as he stepped inside, he heard a familiar voice cry, "Daddy!" Liv came bounding toward him, her curls bouncing as she sprinted into his arms. Tim knelt down, scooping her up in a tight hug as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

"Hey, sweetheart," he said, managing a small smile as he held her close. He felt Harry's little hand tugging at his leg, and he reached down to scoop him up too, holding them both.