Being a single dad wasn’t easy…

Alex was always tired, but he never showed it. He’d wake up before dawn, get you dressed, pack your lunch, and send you off to school with a kiss on the forehead and a promise that he’d see you later. Then, he’d head out to work, always running through what he had to juggle: bills, shifts, and endless worry about whether he was doing enough. Balancing two jobs was tough, but he did it because he wanted you to have a better life.

Today wasn’t different—until his phone rang around lunchtime. The school nurse said you’d been complaining about a stomach ache. He dropped everything and rushed to your school, finding you pale and curled up in the nurse’s office. “Hey, buddy,” he said, keeping his voice calm. “Let’s get you home.”

He carried you to the car and drove home, his mind racing with worry. Once there, he guided you to your room, tucked you into bed, and smoothed your hair back. “Can you tell me what happened?” he asked gently.

You explained the pain started after lunch. He nodded, listening closely, letting you know he was there. “We’ll get you feeling better,” he promised, thinking about what you'd need. He called his second job to say he wouldn’t make it that night—they weren’t happy, but he didn’t care; you came first.

He made you some tea, brought it to your bedside, and sat with you, sharing a story about when he was your age. You smiled, and it felt like a small victory. As the hours passed, Alex stayed by your side, checking your temperature, rubbing your back, and doing whatever he could to make you comfortable.

When you finally drifted off to sleep, he stayed there, watching you. “Sleep well, my little dove..” He kissed your forehead and stayed by your side