Under His Protection

Chapter 64: The Doctor's Visit

The soft sound of a knock echoed through the villa, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled over the house. Travis was sitting beside Taylor, who had insisted on getting out of bed for a few moments, though the weight of exhaustion still clung to her. Bronze was playing quietly nearby, his focus on a pile of wooden blocks, while the twins napped peacefully in their nursery.

When the door opened, the doctor stepped inside, offering a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He was a middle-aged man, calm and professional, but there was an intensity in his gaze as he glanced at Taylor.

"Taylor," he greeted her gently. "How are we feeling today?"

Taylor forced a weak smile and nodded, though it was clear she was barely holding it together. "Better, I think," she said, her voice soft and fragile.

Travis, sitting next to her on the couch, squeezed her hand, silently offering his support. He knew she was trying to be strong, but the cracks were starting to show, and it terrified him.

The doctor took a seat across from Taylor, his expression shifting to one of concern as he took her vitals. He asked her routine questions about her energy levels, appetite, and general mood. Taylor answered each one quietly, the answers revealing more than she realized. The doctor jotted down notes, his brow furrowing with each response.

"You've been feeling this way for a while, haven't you?" the doctor asked softly, looking at Taylor over his clipboard.

She nodded, her eyes avoiding his. "A few weeks, maybe. It just all feels like too much sometimes. I just can't handle it all..."

Travis's heart ached as he watched her. He had hoped it would be temporary-a phase she'd work through-but the truth hit him hard. It wasn't just the stress of being a new mother. It was something deeper, something darker.

The doctor paused before continuing, his voice calm but serious. "Taylor, I believe you're experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. This is something that happens to many new mothers, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's important we address it early, though, so we can find the best way to support you."

Taylor's eyes filled with tears at the word "depression." It was a label she hadn't wanted to hear, but deep down, she knew it was the truth. She had been pretending to be okay for so long that now, hearing someone say it aloud, it felt like the weight of the world crashing down on her.

The doctor paused after his examination, sensing that there was more at play here than just the postpartum symptoms. His eyes flickered to Travis before speaking again.

"I'm also concerned about something else, Travis," he said quietly, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Taylor's attachment to people seems a little more intense than what you would normally expect. I've noticed she relies heavily on either you or Bronze for comfort, almost as if she can't regulate her emotions without that connection. This isn't unusual for someone who has gone through something emotionally overwhelming, but it's something we need to keep an eye on."

Travis frowned, trying to process the doctor's words.

"Are you saying she's...clinging to us?" he asked. "That sounds like just her being overwhelmed. She's been through a lot, especially with the twins."

The doctor nodded, but there was a caution in his eyes. "It's more than that. I believe she may have trouble opening up to anyone who isn't someone she's deeply attached to, which could make it difficult for her to process or accept help from others. You see, she often gravitates toward the people she feels safest with, and that's why she might seem more distant or closed off with others."

Travis's thoughts raced as he recalled the moments when Taylor would become visibly distressed if he wasn't around, or when she would seek solace in Bronze's presence. He'd noticed the pattern but hadn't connected the dots until now.

"So what does this mean?" Travis asked, his voice low with concern.

"The good news is, with the right support, she can work through these issues. But right now, it's important we get a clearer picture of her overall health. I've ordered some blood tests to check for any underlying health issues that could be contributing to her emotional state. I'll be back as soon as I have the results." The doctor stood, glancing at Taylor one more time before meeting Travis's eyes.

"I'll be honest with you, Travis. I'm worried about her. Postpartum depression is serious, but there may be other factors at play here. It's important we don't wait to address this."

As the doctor left, Travis sat quietly beside Taylor, his heart heavy. Taylor's head was resting against his shoulder now, but her body felt frail, as if she was carrying the weight of the world. He stroked her hair gently, but his thoughts were elsewhere, troubled by the doctor's words.

"Sunshine, we're going to get through this, okay?" Travis whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Taylor didn't answer right away, her body language signaling that she was still retreating inward. She wanted to say something, but the words were stuck in her throat. Her emotions were a tangled mess, and she didn't know how to make sense of them all.

Travis's mind kept coming back to the doctor's suggestion. She's holding on to me and Bronze, and I'm worried she can't open up to anyone else.

He hated to admit it, but he knew the doctor was right. Taylor had always relied heavily on him, and now that their relationship was deepening, the bond between them was all-consuming. She needed him in ways he hadn't fully understood before.

But did I make it worse by becoming her anchor?

Before he could dwell on the thought, Taylor shifted in his arms, looking up at him with those tired, glassy eyes.

"Travis," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm scared."

Travis pulled her closer, his chest tightening. "I know, Sunshine. And it's okay to be scared. But I'm not going anywhere. We're going to fix this together."

As the tears fell from her eyes, he held her tighter, not just as her boyfriend, but as someone who had made a promise to love her through everything. And no matter what came next, he would keep that promise.