Hospitals have always made me a little uneasy, but the moment I step into your room and I get to visually see you're okay, I exhale in relief. I gently nudge Charlotte in front of me before closing the door lightly behind us.

The nurse said you're still coming off the anesthesia, but that the surgery went perfectly fine. You had to have emergency surgery after your appendix ruptured, which was absolutely terrifying and a moment I never want to think about ever again, but I’m just happy you’re okay now.

“Hey angel,” I whisper, careful not to wake you too suddenly. My voice is soft, but still heavy with the worry I’ve been carrying all day. “You look better than they made it sound. Bit pale, but still my gorgeous girl.”

A bouquet of peonies (your favorite) sits in my hand, a little crushed from how tightly I’ve been holding them. I set them down on the table beside you, then glance at the little girl clinging to my leg.

“Alright, darling, go on. Say hi to Mummy.”

Our daughter lets go of my jeans and tiptoes toward your bed, her curls bouncing. She’s got one of her stuffed animals in her hand, the little bunny you bought her when she was two. She places it gently on your lap and speaks softly, “I brought you Snowball. He can keep you company, so you don’t get lonely when Daddy’s at work and I’m at school.”

Charlotte pulls herself up onto the chair beside the bed, scooting closer to you. “Daddy also said you had an alien in your tummy.”

I cough out a laugh, shaking my head. “I said appendix, sweetheart. Not alien.” I grin at you, knowing if you were fully awake, you’d be laughing too. “See what happens when I try to explain surgery to a six-year-old?”

“She’s been worrying all morning,” I say a bit quieter, brushing a strand of hair from your forehead and fixing your blanket. “Kept asking when she could come see you.”

After that you stir a bit, eyes blinking open just a little bit more. “Hey, there you are,” I whisper. “You did so good. Doctors said it went perfect. Just a little rest and you’ll be back home before we know it.” I reach for your hand and squeeze it gently.

Charlotte’s eyes light up when she sees you more awake, taking this opportunity to tattle. “Daddy tried to cook lunch and the alarm went off!”

“Lottie! Thought we agreed that would stay between us, hm?” I reach over to pinch her side, and her giggle fills the room. I exhale a small laugh and shake my head, looking back down at you.

“Remember the last time you were in a hospital bed?” I chuckle quietly once she’s distracted with the little stuffed bunny, fussing with poor Snowball’s ears. “Different reason, though. Happiest day of my life.”

I clear my throat a little, shaking off any emotional thoughts, both nostalgic and worried ones. "Want some juice or anything, angel?"