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Matt and Ellen were still in their comforting embrace when Bobbie approached them.
"Matt, Ellen."
(They slowly pulled apart as they wiped each other's tears away.)
"I can take you to Matthew now." Bobbie announced.
Matt and Ellen joined hands, as they followed Nurse Jones to Matty's room in ICU. Outside Matty's room, Matt and Ellen both take a deep breath and give each other reassuring glances before they proceed inside. Their both being doctors had in no way prepared them for what they faced upon entering Matty's room. The machines they saw and used for patients everyday were like menacing monsters now, the beeping of the machines heartstopping growls and they were surrounding their son who seemed so much smaller in their wake. In their minds they knew these machines were monitoring there son's condition and helping him to stay alive but rational thoughts leave your mind when it's your child attached to the machines. "I know you can never be prepared for this, but really he's holding his on. He has the meds that are helping to ease the swelling and his pressure is better. He's a fighter, and he's going to fight this. I'll be outside." Bobbie said as she left the shellshocked pair with their son. They each find their way to either side of Matty's bed and take a hand.
"Matty, honey, it's Mom and Dad. (Stroking his dark curls) I know you're really tired and that's okay you need to get your rest just know that when you wake up, and I know you're going to do that soon, we'll be waiting right here for you. I know you can get thru this. You're Mommy's.....strong.... little man. (Tears escaping her eyes as she brings Matty's hand to her lips. Matt seeing his wife falter picks up the pace. Swallowing the now ever present knot in his throat he begins to speak to his son.)
"Hey slugger. (Placing his hand on Matty's head and lightly stroking his forehead with his thumb) You hear that? Your Mom's getting upset, you don't want that do you? (Leaning towards Matty, whispering just loud enough.) You know how I get when she cries. (Returning to his normal tone) Knowing how much you like to stay awake, opening those beautiful eyes of yours would definitely work in your favor right now. Matty we know you can fight this and that's what you have to do. You just have to stay strong and come back to us." (Matt felt his own resolve weaken as he leaned over and kissed Matty's forehead. Moments later Bobbie re-enters the room.
"Excuse me, Lucy Coe is on the phone."
"I'll talk to her." Ellen answers. She gives Matty a kiss on the forehead and assures him she'll be right back.
After Ellen left the room Matt begins to stroke Matty's cheek while staring thoughfully at him as he remembers the first conversation he had with Matty, the day he was born.... (Matt still in awe is holding Matthew in his arms as Ellen is sleeping peacefully after a gruelling 10 hour delivery. "I can't believe you're really here and I'm holding you in my arms. Oh Matty I want so much for you. I want you to be able to have the childhood I never had and the life I've always wanted but was never able to get until I met your mother. That's the sleeping lady over there (positioning his tiny body so it faced Ellen's direction, Matty coos softly) She has that effect on me too. (Looking deeply into his newborn's face. Matty's eyes flutter open slowly almost as if he knew Matt wanted them to.) Hey you, I'm going to make you a promise and it's one you can always count on. I will never let anyone or anything hurt you not ever. I will aways keep you safe. I'm going to be the father to you that my own father was never able to be to me. You will never have to fear me and know there won't be anything you can't come to me with or for. Three hours ago you came into my life and from that moment I experienced this incredible feeling. A feeling of completion. You and your mother complete me, and I will never let anyone or anything take that away. You son, my precious boy are the future, and the future is so bright. I love you. (Matt tenderly places a kiss on Matty's tiny forehead.) ...Back to the present. (Tears from Matt's eyes dropping onto Matty's pillow) "I'm sorry Matty. I'm sorry I couldn't keep that promise of keeping you safe, but you hear this, I'm going to make whoever did this to you pay. I'm going to make them pay and pay dearly." Ellen steps out of the door frame and back outside as the iciness of her husband's words hit her like a ton of bricks.