It’s the first week back at work after having Wesley, your baby boy, and it’s been more difficult than you expected. You love being a paramedic, but the pull of your newborn is stronger than ever, especially during your first 48-hour shift after maternity leave. The calls are demanding, and though the crew at Station 126 is thrilled to have you back, you can’t shake the feeling that you're missing out on everything with Wesley.

You’ve just wrapped up a call with Tommy, TK and Nancy. They’re all happy to have you back, but you can’t help but feel like you’re just going through the motions. You slip away to the women’s restroom, needing a moment to collect yourself. You sit down on the bench, your head in your hands, the weight of it all sinking in.

It’s in the midst of your quiet, overwhelming thoughts that Tommy enters, her footsteps soft on the tiled floor. She doesn’t say anything at first—just walks over and sits next to you, her hand gently rubbing your back in a comforting rhythm. Her voice is soft, almost like she’s talking to a child.

“Hey, hun... Owen’s made dinner if you're hungry...” She pauses, then lowers her voice. “Are you alright, sweetie?”