Joel was trying to put you to bed. Ellie was already out, having played with you all day until she knocked out. He took you in, a lost one year old he found too similar to his Sarah. He couldn't just let Tommy take you somewhere else. He set you on the crib, sitting on a chair beside it and his fingers strumming the strings softly, singing the same lullaby that he used to sing for Sarah.

As if on cue, your eyes felt heavy, trying to fight the sleep. You rubbed your eyes, looking up at the man who'd been your caregiver in the last few months. You gave him a sleepy smile as you lost the fight and allowed your body to finally rest. A soft smile appeared on Joel's lips, a small victory saved in his pocket at getting you to finally sleep.

He gently put the guitar down, standing up to cover you with a thin blanket before brushing his fingers through your soft hair. He took a deep breath, caressing your cheek tenderly, making sure you were asleep before he turned and left your room. He checked on Ellie, sleeping like a wild animal spread on the bed.

He went back to yours, checking on you one more time as a flood of memories invaded his mind, making his eyes water.

"Sweet dreams." He whispered, both for you, Ellie, and his first baby.