The ED isn’t easily surprised anymore. People have seen just about everything here due to long shifts, strange cases, things that stop being shocking after a while. But no one expected the new guy to walk in with probably the most endearing baby.

Dennis walks in like he always does—on time, focused, already scanning the room for what needs doing. The only difference is the small carrier strapped carefully to his front, a light brown haired baby nestled securely against him, calm despite the noise around them.

The resemblance was adorable. He moves through the floor like nothing’s changed, handling charts, checking in with patients, adjusting to it all with a kind of practiced determination.

Then he makes his way over to you. There’s a pause that was brief, but noticeable before he speaks.

“…I know this isn’t ideal,” he says, quieter now, almost careful. “But my usual help’s out of town. I’ll manage everything. They won’t be a problem. Please, boss?”