September 23 2020
DAVE AND AJ'S HOME — LATE AFTERNOON
The sunlight spilled in golden sheets across the living room floor. The house was unusually quiet — no phones buzzing, no alarms, no pagers. Just Dave, barefoot, sitting cross-legged on the floor of the nursery, watching his son pull himself up on a soft ottoman.
Mateo, now a sturdy, curious one-year-old, wobbled as he stood with his wide eyes focused on the little lion toy Dave had just placed a few feet away.
Dave held his breath, grinning.
Dave-You gonna go for it, champ?
Mateo took one uncertain step... then another.
He plopped back down on his diapered bottom with a soft thud.
Dave laughed.
Dave- Almost! That's two more than yesterday.
He scooped Mateo up and kissed his head, cradling him with practiced ease. The boy rested his head on Dave's shoulder, babbling softly, one hand clumsily holding onto his father's shirt.
For a moment, there was no trauma. No hospital. No danger.
Just peace
---
KITCHEN — MOMENTS LATER
Dave balanced Mateo on his hip as he prepped a small snack plate: apple slices, crackers, tiny cheese cubes.
Dave - Your mom's probably running a department with one hand and saving a life with the other
Dave murmured with a fond smile.
Mateo made a small squeal, slapping a fist against Dave's chest.
Dave - I know, I know — she's the boss
Dave chuckled.
Dave - Don't worry, little man. She always comes home.
They sat together at the kitchen table, Dave offering Mateo tiny pieces of food while he scrolled through his phone — catching a message from Camilla.
> Camilla :
"Lexie and April... they're still standing. You'd be surprised how much they're willing to take to stay on AJ's service."
Dave read it twice, then looked at his son again — the same brown eyes, the same serious little expression when chewing.
Dave - You know, buddy... your mom didn't just become great overnight. She fought for it. Like they're trying to.
Mateo just dropped a piece of cracker into Dave's lap and giggled.
Dave smiled, something deep and protective in his chest stirring.
BACK AT THE HOSPITAL
Lexie sat in a call room, bruised ego and heavy heart pressing down on her. Her notebook lay open, neuro diagrams half-sketched, eyes blurry from exhaustion.
She didn't hear Camilla come in until she sat beside her and placed a photo on the desk.
Lexie looked down — it was a blurry snapshot of Dave and Mateo, sitting on a blanket under a tree, reading a book.
Camilla - That's why AJ fights so hard. Why she pushes so hard
Camilla said quietly.
Camilla - That kid? That family? They're her reason. And the second you find yours, Lexie... no one will be able to shake you.
Lexie blinked hard, breath catching.
She nodded once.
Lexie - Then I'll keep showing up... until I'm worth that fight.
