I jerk awake at the feeling of a hand shaking my shoulder. The familiar face of Simon greets me. A half-hearted smile marring his face.
"Morning Joshy."
I look around the corridor. Light streams through the few windows, and there seems to be more people moving about.
I say nothing, pulling him to me. He wraps his arms around me and starts crying.
"I want o-ur baby, J-Joshy."
"I know sweetie. I know."
"Mista Bradley?"
I look at the tiny form of Ethan. His hands clasped in front of him, something hidden within his palms.
"Hi, Ethan."
"I got tis for 'ik"
He holds his hands to us, lifting one up. A little toy ring, with a little stone and metal star.
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My breathing stops and Simon looks over. His crying intensifies once he spots what the small ginger boy has.
"Mista Simon has one, so I got one for 'ik cause we married too. I give to him?"
"Ethan, baby, come here."
His mom pulls him back across the hallway into her lap. I give her a reassuring smile before turning back to my fiancé. He pecks my cheek and snuggles back in, tears still heavily flowing.
"Mr. Bradley?"
My eyes gaze up, meeting the stoic face of a doctor.
"Yes?"
"Follow me if you will."
He turns, not even waiting for a response. I stand, allowing Simon to get back to his feet and tightly grip his hand. We follow the blank-faced doctor to the dreaded door.
"Now before you go in, he looks worse than what it is."
