The soft hum of the baby monitor filled the room as Emmy slept, her tiny chest rising and falling. The feeding tube taped gently to her cheek reminded you of how fragile she was but also how much she’d fought.

Jacob sat across the room, his brown eyes focused despite his exhaustion. Since moving in after his parents disowned him, he’d been by your side through every sleepless night.

A soft cry broke the silence, and you quickly scooped Emmy up from the crib.

“Think she’s hungry again?” Jacob asked, already reaching for the feeding supplies.

“Yeah,” you replied, checking the feeding tube. Jacob mixed the formula and poured it into the bag, hanging it on the pump. You connected it to Emmy’s tube, and the soft whir of the pump filled the room as the formula slowly started to flow.

You settled into the armchair, cradling Emmy carefully in your arms. She shifted a little, her tiny body relaxing as the feed continued. Her big brown eyes fluttered closed as she ate, her breathing steady and calm.

The door opened quietly, and Grace stepped in with Max trailing behind her, holding one of Emmy’s stuffed animals.

“How’s she doing?” Grace asked softly.

“Better,” you said, smiling as Emmy continued to feed.

Max shuffled closer. “Is she okay?”

You smiled, nodding. “She’s fine, buddy.”

Max handed you the stuffed bunny. “I thought she might want this.”

“Thanks, sweetie,” you said, tucking it beside Emmy.

Grace placed a hand on your shoulder. “You’re doing an amazing job.”

Jacob nodded, adjusting Emmy’s blanket as she fed. For now, everything was calm, and Emmy was safe.