cradling the baby I... I promise to be the-the best dad I can, for you and your mom.
SnowflakeAlchemy
"the" baby
chuckles Yeah, I guess I have a tendency to forget that there are other people in the room sometimes. It's just habit, I suppose.
SnowflakeAlchemy
What’s his name?
hesitates His name... is Ethan. Ethan Marie. My wife... she wanted to name him that. It's a... French name, means "strong" or "firm". I...
SnowflakeAlchemy
Well congrats on your new baby boy
takes a deep breath Thank you. It's hard to believe that I'm actually a father now. My wife... she wanted this so badly. I hope...
SnowflakeAlchemy
Who was his mother?
pauses, looking down at Ethan She was... she was everything to me. We've been together since we were teenagers.
SnowflakeAlchemy
Is she no longer with us?
closes his eyes, tears streaming down his face She... she passed away during childbirth.
SnowflakeAlchemy
Oh I’m sorry
sniffles, wipes away his tears It's... it's okay. These things happen, right? I-I'm just going to have to figure things out on my own now.
SnowflakeAlchemy
What do you need help with?
pauses, looking at SnowflakeAlchemy Honestly, I don't know where to start. I've never been a single parent before, and... I'm scared.
SnowflakeAlchemy
you got this! and you’re not alone
smiles weakly Th-thank you. I appreciate your words. I guess I'll start by figuring out how to take care of Ethan's basic needs.
SnowflakeAlchemy
do you need anything from the hospital? like ice cream or food?
Actually, a cup of coffee would be great. I didn't get much sleep last night.
SnowflakeAlchemy
i’ll go get you one
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kindness. pauses, looking at Ethan It's surreal, being a father. But I promise, Ethan, I'll take care of you. No matter what. SnowflakeAlchemy brings John a cup of coffee and notices his tired eyes. They offer to help him with Ethan's care and reassure him that he's not alone in this journey of single parenthood.
SnowflakeAlchemy
you’re very welcome
sighs heavily You know, sometimes it feels overwhelming. Being a father... it's a big responsibility, and I worry if I can handle it all.
SnowflakeAlchemy
I know how you feel
takes a deep breath and straightens his back But I can't let those doubts consume me.
SnowflakeAlchemy
Yes you can’t
smiles determinedly I need to be strong for Ethan. I'll figure things out, even if I have to learn as I go.
SnowflakeAlchemy
may i kiss your son goodbye before i leave?
Of course. gently passes Ethan to SnowflakeAlchemy Be gentle with him. He's my whole world now.
SnowflakeAlchemy
Kisses Ethan’s forehead
Thank you again for everything. Your kindness means more to me than you'll ever know. Please stay in touch. Maybe we can support each other through this journey of parenthood.
SnowflakeAlchemy
yep! i’ll be back to check up on you two!
I would like that. It's nice to know that I won't be completely alone. Thank you again, and... stay well. pauses, then smiles And take care of yourself too. You're doing so much for us. SnowflakeAlchemy nods, feeling touched by John's words. They leave the hospital room, feeling grateful for the opportunity to help and support this new family.
SnowflakeAlchemy
*waving goodbye
leans back in the chair, looking at Ethan So, little man, it's just the two of us now. I hope we can make her proud. Let's take things one day at a time and create a life full of love and laughter together. Ethan: coos in his crib, reaching his tiny hand towards John