Mia was sitting in the corner with one of those bead toys and I was pacing back and forth in the waiting room waiting for results on Austin’s condition. It had hit three hours almost five minutes ago and there still wasn’t any news.

Mia stood up and started crying. I rushed to her side and fell to my knees beside her. I was worried she’d hurt herself on something.

“Mia? Honey what’s wrong?” I asked as I rubbed her arms.

“I weed myself!” She cried and I then noticed the small wet patch that was on the jeans she was wearing. I pulled her into my arms and shushed her gently.

“It’s alright, sweetheart. You’re probably worried about Daddy. Let’s clean you up.” I lifted her into my arms and poked my head into the nurse station.

“Mrs Carlile? Can we help you?” A woman dusted her fingers off from the donut she was eating and stood to approach us. Mia was hiding her head in the crook of my neck and I kissed the top of it.

“We had a bit of an accident. Is there any chance that there is anything I can change her into?” I asked as Mia continued to cry into my neck. She hadn’t had an accident for almost four months so I could understand why she was upset.

“Of course. We keep that sort of things in here. What size is your daughter?” the nurse pulled a drawer open and inside were pairs of jeans and underwear for boys and girls.

“She’s two to three years.”

“Here you go. They’re not very stylish but I’m sure they’ll do.” She handed me a pair of pale blue jeans and a pair of pink underpants.

“Thank you.” I whispered and headed towards the bathroom with Mia still in my arms. I set on the floor and she looked at the floor. “Mia, sweetie. You’re not in trouble.”

“I was being strong for Daddy!” Mia stomped her foot and wiped the tears away from her face with a sniffle.

“You are being strong. Accidents happen don’t they?” I helped her clean up and into the new jeans. I balled the dirty ones up and put them in a disposable bag to take home and wash. When we went back into the waiting room the doctor was standing there.

“Mrs Carlile. The nurses informed me about Mia’s small accident.” Dr Bronwyn smiled at Mia who was squeezing my hand, her teddy in her hand.

“She’s fine now. How’s Austin?” I asked him nervously.

“His surgery went without a hitch. He’s in recovery if you’d like to see him.” Dr Bronwyn led me to a small room where they took patients to recover and Austin was fighting the tube in his throat. A nurse slipped it from him within seconds and he was breathing better.

“Austin?” I whispered to him as I reached his bedside.

“Daddy?”

“I’m okay.” He murmured as he reached up to rub the bandage that was down his chest. He took a deep breath and smiled. “So much better.”

“Thank God.” I reached over and kissed his forehead before arranging Mia on the bed next to him. He frowned at the jeans she was wearing.

“What happened to her clothes?”

“She had an accident. She’s better now.” I ruffled Mia’s hair who was now smiling. The episode all forgotten about. Austin coughed and winced as it pulled the stitched in his chest.

“How do you feel?”

“Like I’m alive again.” He mumbled as his eyes started closing. “I prayed.”

“You never pray.”

“I prayed that he would look after you if I die. I didn’t though, die I mean.” He frowned as he licked his lips. I bent down and kissed him gently before brushing my hand down his cheek gently.

“Get some sleep, love.”

“That’s my line.” He slurred with a weak smile even as his eyes started to close. I plucked Mia off the bed and she snuggled into me as I sat on the chair. Now it was a waiting game to see how his heart dealt with it.

Notes

Title Cred: Young Guns

At least he didn't die right? :P