Unconditional Love

Through the Night

For hours on end Connie sat silently fixed in her position beside Grace. She'd trace her finger over the cuts and bruises that marked her daughter's skin, listen to the sound of the ventilator as it steadily functioned to ease Grace's breathing diffuculties and for brief, painful moments, she'd attempt to let reality sink in.

It weakened Connie. Her walls came crashing down and, for once, she showed her vulnerability. It was clear that her daughter was the closest thing she held to her heart and to see her in such pain, so weak and so quiet, created emotions that she did not have the strength to keep locked up. But tears no longer fell. Connie just sat - vacant- in his arms. Unwilling to let her suffer the painful experience alone, Jacob held her all through the night until she finally fell asleep, resting on his chest with the sound of his beating heart subconsciously comforting her.

A sharp ray of light, through the crack in the dull curtains, woke her and for one split moment Connie was content, secured in Jacob's arms. Then memories of the events of yesterday pierced through her and she immediately reached for Grace, softly squeezing her lifeless hand. The sudden movement woke Jacob. They sat for a moment, no sound escaping either of them as he contemplated his next move. He'd been there for her last night but today he thought she would need to be alone with her child- need time with Grace. "Connie" he whispered. She responded with a slight raise of her eyebrow.
"Look, I can stay if you'd like but I've got a shift starting soon so I ..."

"No, no it's fine. You should go."

He stood and she mirrored him.

"Thank you - for being here last night." He pulled her into a delicate embrace and gently kissed her forehead.

"I'm a call away," he smiled and she returned it effortlessly. His arms enclosed her safely and the tension in her muscles began to relax until he slowly pulled away.

He paused, gave one last smile and turned to the door. He couldn't bear walking away from her and she couldn't bear watching him leave. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed him. And the fact she couldn't tell him that agonised her.