Work Text:
Tina whimpers in Linda’s arms and Bob wants to cry. His baby girl is hurting and his wife is hurting for her. Bob usually feels like a failure but today he feels like a monster.
“It’s just an ear infection, Bobby,” Linda murmurs as she gently bounces Tina, hoping that the antibiotics will take effect soon. Luckily they don’t smoke, even for stress-relief; apparently second-hand smoke can make ear infections worse in babies. Linda looks exhausted and Bob holds out his arms to take Tina once again. This time, Linda sighs and gives in.
“I just can’t handle her in pain. Or you,” Bob says as Tina sniffles and finally quiets to something close to calm. Bob has so little in life; his only treasures are the two people in the tiny apartment with him at that very moment. “What if she gets permanent damage or something?”
Linda laughs and pats Bob’s arm. “The pediatrician said that she’s doing fine except for the infection and the couch foam. She’ll be up and crawling around in no time, staring at horses like a little cowgirl!”
Tina’s obsession with horses is a little intense for her young age, but Bob is just glad that Linda’s holding it together as well as she is. She’s snappy and worn out but nothing can dim her positive attitude. Bob is just grateful for her laughter when he’s going to pass out from anxiety.
“Now, come on,” Linda says as she grabs his arm to carefully drag him from the room. “Tina’s out for the count and it’s really nice out. Let’s go for a drive down to the beach. We can get ice cream and watch the water!”
Bob smiles in muted relief. Linda never stays down for long and Tina’s sleeping soundly in his arms. Bob may feel like a monster sometimes, but Linda always makes him a man again. “Maybe afterwards we can come home and try for another one.”
“Oh!” Linda gasps in delight. “You old charmer! Well, let’s go! I have a craving for butter pecan. If Tina wakes up she can have her first ice cream.”
Bob laughs, Linda chattering incessantly about all of her favorite flavors as they get ready. Ear infections and poverty aside, Bob is the happiest that he’s ever been. His baby girl is healing, his wife is amazing, and Bob is the luckiest man alive.