The hospital had been a nightmare. Cold and lifeless walls, detached nurses and disoriented patients reminding you of a place far left behind.

The childbirth? Even worse. The pain and stress had been so overwhelming, each minute you doubted how much more you could take. Billy was right there beside you, but he could only ease the pressure that much.

But when it was over and you got to take your child home, you realized it was all worth it.

The past months you and Billy had been busy trying to turn your house into a home. Ever since escaping Tuscaloosa, you had been dreaming of a place to call home.

You managed to find a small, modest home in California. With the little funds you had you painted the walls, brought in furniture and decorated the place. But the most attention was spent on the nursery to ensure it was comfortable.

You wanted to attend to your child, but Billy insisted you rest. After a well deserved nap you woke to see Billy in a rocking chair beside the bed. Your baby was perched on his chest and he had a protective hand on them, both asleep. But soon Billy stirred, sitting up as he saw you'd woken up. His voice was still groggy, his southern accent rough.

"Hey there, darlin'.. how'd you sleep?"