The hospital staff carefully wheeled Zivia's small hospital bed into Olivia's private room, positioning it right beside her. Olivia, still groggy from sleep, stirred slightly as she felt the movement. When she blinked awake, the first thing she saw was Zivia, still sleeping soundly, her tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm.
A small, relieved smile formed on Olivia's lips. She needed this. Having Zivia near her, within arm's reach, made her feel... safer. Like a piece of her heart had finally settled into place.
Zack stood at the foot of Olivia's bed, arms crossed, watching silently. He saw the way her gaze softened when she looked at their daughter. The way her fingers instinctively reached out, brushing a stray curl away from Zivia's forehead.
He exhaled, shaking his head slightly before stepping closer. "I need to freshen up," he murmured, stretching his neck a little. "I'll be back soon."
Olivia hummed in response, barely acknowledging his words, too focused on their daughter. Zack smirked slightly-he knew that look. The 'I'm-about-to-turn-into-an-overbearig-mother' look.
Still, he let it be. "Don't do anything reckless, Livy." His voice carried a warning, but he already knew it would be ignored.
The moment Zack left the room and the door clicked shut, Olivia sprang out of bed. All traces of exhaustion vanished in an instant.
She stumbled a little at first, her legs still weak, but she didn't care. She rushed to Zivia's bedside, her hands immediately fussing over the blankets, tucking them in, then untucking them, then tucking them in again.
Zivia stirred at the movement, her little nose scrunching up as she slowly blinked her big, sleepy eyes open.
"Good morning, sunshine!" Olivia cooed, her voice overflowing with warmth.
Zivia blinked blearily at her before yawning widely. "Mmmm... Mama?" Her voice was tiny, still laced with sleep.
"Yes, baby, I'm right here," Olivia whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Zivia's lips curled into a sleepy grin. "You were sad last night," she mumbled. "But now you're smiling. That means you love me a lot, right?"
Olivia let out a soft, breathy laugh, her heart melting. "Baby, I love you more than anything in this world." She booped Zivia's nose, making the little girl giggle.
Zivia wriggled under the covers, suddenly more awake. "Even more than cake?" she asked, eyes wide.
Olivia gasped dramatically. "What? Even more than cake?! Of course! You're my baby, my whole heart, my world!" She smothered Zivia in a flurry of kisses, making the little girl shriek with laughter.
"Maaamaaaa, stop! It tickles!" Zivia giggled, trying to wiggle away.
"Never! I'm going to cuddle you forever!" Olivia declared, hugging Zivia tightly and swaying side to side.
Zivia giggled uncontrollably, kicking her tiny feet. "Mama, you're so funny!"
Olivia grinned, brushing Zivia's curls back. "And you, my love, are the most beautiful, most amazing, most brilliant little human in the whole wide world."
Zivia beamed, but then her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Mama, you forgot something!"
Olivia arched a brow. "Oh? What did I forget?"
Zivia giggled. "You forgot to say I'm also the smartest!"
Olivia laughed. "Oh, how could I forget? My baby is also the smartest little genius!"
Zivia lifted her chin proudly. "That's right!"
Just then, the door swung open, and Zack walked in-only to be greeted by the sight of Olivia standing beside Zivia's bed, fully out of her own, giggling with their daughter like she wasn't supposed to be recovering herself.
