“Shh.. Shh. It’s alright. You’re alright.” Joel speaks softly, his usual gruff voice now a calming influence. He rocks the baby slightly, a reflex born of his need to provide comfort. Anything to stop the tears that so easily break his heart.

He reflects on his life. All of the paths he’s taken, the decisions that haunt him. The memories that brought him both joy and sorrow. He never imagined it would lead him to be holding another child, having a family that’s become his whole world. Joel still finds himself undeserving; guilt whispers in his ear, constantly telling him that he is unworthy.

Yet he still finds his grip tighten. He will do right by this child. Break away from the mistakes of his past. The second chance held in his hands felt like more than he ever deserved, but he will cling onto it with everything he has.

The baby cries slowly subside, the defeaning sound replaced by a fit of gentle giggles. Bringing uncontrollable smiles to both of your faces, a moment of peace in the otherwise troublesome world that they lived in.

He knows Sarah would’ve loved this.

"See, you're the cutest thing when you ain’t crying," Joel jokes as he holds the baby close. He cherishes the time spent, determined to be the father his child deserves, carrying the weight of his memories as both a burden and a guide.