Future Holds || Bob's Burgers

9- What I Should Have Said

Tina

I don't know how I'll ever be okay again. I sit at my daughter's bedside, holding her hand and begging her to stay.

"Oh sweetheart...I'm so sorry. I wish...I wish you knew you could talk to me about things. I never wanted...I never wanted you to suffer alone. God, I'm so sorry." I weep.

This pain is so raw and so real that I can't breathe. My baby is in the hospital and she could die.

God...I remember when she was born like it was yesterday. Her birth story is one for the books.

I was home alone at our new house when my water broke and the contractions started way too quickly.

Zeke came home from working at the restaurant, my parents coming with us to the hospital.

It all happened so fast that the doctors couldn't administer an epidural. She was coming right then and there.

Zeke held my hand while Mom held the other, and I went through the worst pain of my life.

She came out crying and screaming, as an infant does. And she was absolutely perfect.

We didn't even have a name yet. Dad came into the room to meet her, suggesting one.

"How about Amelia? Like Amelia Earhart?" He suggested. "A strong female role models isn't a bad idea, huh? Besides you and your mom."

Dad didn't want to let her go. He just kept holding Amelia in his arms and rocking her softly.

He was so full of joy. And he reacted just the same with every grandchild. He's amazing to them.

But...I think they had a special bond from the beginning. I know Amelia adores him.

I wish she would have talked to him about it. I know she felt comfortable enough to do so.

As if on cue, Dad walks in. "Tina...how's she doing?"

"I just can't believe she didn't say anything. That she didn't...tell me she was hurting. She's close to you...did she say anything?" I ask.

Dad freezes. "That's...what I came to talk to you about."

My heart drops. "Oh...Oh God..."

Bob - Days Earlier

Amelia requested I come over early today to help her with a pie she's baking for her dad.

Sweet kid. Of course I said yes. Me and Linda head over to the house before Tina and Zeke are even awake.

"Why so early?" I ask while she gets the ingredients together.

"I don't know. I guess I just wanted to spend some time with you." Amelia replies with a smile.

There's something behind her smile that I can't quite place. "You okay, Ams?"

She nods. "I'm fine."

We finish the pie, and I look at her with uncertainty.