DREAM CATCHER

5

Elizabeth was trying to sleep when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.
She opened her eyes and smiled when they rested on a familiar face.
Vinny: Hello Mija.
Libby: Uncle Vincent. I told you that you didn't have to come.
Vinny: Nonesense! Of course, I had to come. I was worried about you  Mija.
Libby: Well, you don't have to. I'm fine.
Vinny: You are not fine. You haven't gone home in two weeks. You are not eating. You are not sleeping. You are going to burn yourself out at this rate Nina.
Libby: How am I supposed to eat or sleep when my husband is dying.
Vinny: Hush now. He's not dying. He's going to get through this and as difficult as it might seem right now,I know he'll be alright. But there is someone else who needs you... your daughter.
Libby: I know that but a hospital is no place for a young child to be.
Vinny: No. She needs to be with her mother mija. Especially when her father's in the hospital unconscious. She needs to know that her life has not imploded...that she has not lost her mother too...that everything is going to be okay.
Libby: But I don't know that.
We don't know that. So, how can I look her in the eye and tell her everything is going to be okay...that we are all going to be okay when I don't know that.
Vinny: Because you are her mother and it's your duty to protect her fragile heart even if you are terrified yourself.
Protecting her happiness and peace is of utmost importance.
Putting the needs of your child above your own...this is what it means to be a parent.
So don't worry about your husband mija. I'll watch over him for you. You have spent the past weeks being a wife.
Go be a mother nina.
Libby: Thank you Uncle for always being there... even when I didn't know I needed you.
Vinny: You don't have to thank me for anything. Now, run along mija. Santiago is waiting to take you to the house.

When Elizabeth arrived at the house, she found Abigail trying to coax Tabitha into eating her lunch and from the looks of things..she hasn't been very successful.
Elizabeth dropped to her knees,slowly crawled towards them.
When Abigail noticed her presence, she smiled at the woman and mouthed the words 'thank you' as  she left.
Sitting behind her daughter, Elizabeth tickled the unsuspecting child who burst into peals of laughter and turned around with a smile of pure delight on her face.
Tabby: Mama, I'm glad you are here. I  missed you so much.
Libby: I missed you too munchkin.
I see you refused to eat your lunch. Are you feeling sick baby?
Tabby: No Mama. I'm just not hungry.
Libby: Are you sure? You are not hurting anywhere?
Tabby: I'm sure Mama. How's Daddy? Is he still sleeping?
Libby: Yes... I guess he was very exhausted from working so hard.
Tabby: Is he going to wake up soon? I want to play with him.
Libby: I know honey. Daddy's going to wake up very soon.
Tabby: How do you know that Mama?
Libby: Because.. you are Daddy's life. Just as you are mine. Daddy's going to wake up soon...just so he can see you again. You know why?
Tabby: Because I'm the prettiest and cutest little girl in the whole world.
Libby: That's right. You are Daddy's favorite girl and Mama's entire world...
Tabby:  And that makes me the luckiest girl in the world.
Libby: That's right mija.  Don't you ever forget that.
Tabby: I won't. I love you Mama.
Libby: I love you too baby.
When Tabitha suddenly sighed so sadly, the sound pierced her mother's heart.
Libby: What's wrong Baby?
Tabby: Nothing Mama.
Libby: Hey,talk to me.
Tabby: Nothing...I just wish I was sleeping like Daddy.
Libby: Why would you say that.
Tabby: So, you would spend time with me... just like you've been spending time with Daddy.
Libby: Sweetheart, you don't need to...fall asleep like Daddy inorder for me to spend time with you okay? I know I have staying at the hospital a lot but my heart is always with you mi  vida.
You are my heart mija. My utmost priority. I will always make time for you. Okay?
Tabby: Okay.
Libby: Hey...how about we go on a trip for a few days. A road trip... just the two of us.
Would you like that?
Tabby: Yes Mama.
Libby: Come on, let's go get your bag and go home.

When Elizabeth finally drifted off to sleep for the first time in weeks, it was to the sound of her daughter's  breathing..nestled in her mother's arms...safe and at peace.

Foreign Terms.
Mija - Shortened from the spanish word 'Mi hija' meaning my daughter.
Nina- Spanish word meaning little girl.
Mi Vida- Spanish word meaning my life.