Their Sweet Baby Girl

3. Big Mistake

Adrenaline coursed through Lucy's veins as they received the call about a suspect on foot with a gun. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she tried to keep her cool, reminding herself of the training she had received. However, when they arrived on scene and caught sight of the fleeing figure, instinct took over.

In a moment of panic and determination, she broke away from Tim, ignoring protocol and sprinting after the suspect without backup. Time seemed to slow as the world around her blurred. She heard Tim shouting her name, but it was as if she was underwater, unable to process his words. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the alleyway, and she felt herself being yanked backward.

Tim's strong arms enveloped her, pulling her roughly against his chest, shielding her from danger. She could hear his ragged breaths, feel the pounding of his heart matching her own. When the suspect was finally apprehended, the other officers rushed over, but Tim's attention remained fixed on Lucy.

His eyes blazed with a mixture of fear and anger, as he growled, "Lucy, I am your training officer! I am in charge of your life, and if you can't follow protocols, you will get us both killed!" His words stung like a thousand needles, piercing through her terror and making her tremble.

She could feel hot tears threatening to spill, but she bit her lip, refusing to let them fall. She had messed up, big time, and now she was facing the consequences. Nodding meekly, she whispered, "Yes, sir. I understand." Her wide, bambi eyes remained glued to the ground, unable to meet his fierce gaze.

She knew she had a lot to learn and prove, but for now, all she could do was absorb his anger and vow to never make such a reckless mistake again.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of apologies and tension, Lucy's heart still pounding from the close call in the alleyway. Every time she looked at Tim, she saw disappointment etched deep in his features.

As they pulled into the station, she couldn't wait to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the police cruiser. Finally, the moment arrived. She practically bolted from the vehicle and raced to her white Mini Cooper, desperate to leave the precinct behind.

As soon as she stepped inside her cozy apartment, she collapsed onto the couch, her body heavy with exhaustion.

Lucy's little space was her sanctuary, a place where she could escape the pressures of being a police officer. As she curled up in the cozy corner of her bedroom, surrounded by pastel colors and plush toys, she let go of her adult persona and embraced her inner child.

Her breathing slowed, and her body relaxed, melting into the softness of her oversized teddy bear. Her mind drifted back to simpler times, where fear and responsibility were distant concepts. In this space, she was free to be vulnerable and innocent.

She picked up a pacifier and placed it in her mouth, sucking on it softly as she rocked herself back and forth. Her thumb found its way to her mouth as well, a comforting habit from her childhood days. As she looked around at the stuffed animals watching over her, she couldn't help but feel safe and protected.

Her eyes drifted shut, and she let herself slip fully into her little headspace. All thoughts of Tim Bradford and near-death experiences faded away, replaced by a sense of warmth and security.

For now, she was just Lucy, a little girl seeking solace in her imaginary world.

Little Lucy, lost in her headspace, slid off her bed with a giggle, her tiny feet hitting the cold wooden floor. Her belly grumbled, and she knew she needed to eat something to make it stop.

Waddling over to the kitchen, she clutched onto her Hello Kitty blanky, her thumb firmly planted in her mouth. She opened the fridge, the bright light illuminating her tear-streaked face.

The sight of her favorite macaroni and cheese brought a smile to her lips, and she carefully pulled it out. Climbing onto a chair, she reached up to the counter to grab a bowl and a spoon. Balancing precariously, she managed to pour some of the cheesy goodness into the bowl. With a triumphant grin, she hopped down and toddled over to the stove.

The heat radiating from it warmed her, and she eagerly stuck her hand on the burner to heat up her meal. Pain exploded in her hand, and she yanked it back with a startled cry, dropping the bowl with a clatter. Sobs wracked her small frame as she stared at the red mark on her palm.

Overwhelmed, she sank to the floor, her binky falling out of her mouth. Scooping it up, she sucked on it furiously, trying to soothe herself. Her eyes landed on her sippy cup, sitting on the floor just out of reach. Summoning all her courage, she army-crawled across the cool tile, whimpers escaping her throat.

Once she had it in her grasp, she sat up, hugging her Hello Kitty blanket tightly to her chest. She took a long drink of water, the cool liquid providing some relief to her parched throat. Her sobs subsided to hiccups as she rocked back and forth, seeking solace in her little world.