Page 233 of His Sunshine Baby

I laugh.

“You’re already addicted to pizza? It really is in your genes. How about I make you some homemade pizza tonight?”

“Is that okay? We had pizza yesterday.”

“Then… I can make something else if you want? Or we can even eat out?”

“I’ll eat what Daddy makes!”

After a while, we agree to make some mac and cheese and rent a Disney movie. As expected, she had never seen one. We end up seeing two more Disney movies together before she falls asleep on the couch beside me, and I take her to the bedroom.

Damian gives me a call that night, making sure everything’s fine. I don’t think I’ve ever been so grateful to my older brother. He’s always been on my side, but… It’s a strange feeling, him helping me become a good father. He gives me a few tips about what I could do with Estelle, what kind of food I should try with her, and so on. He’s been a dad for two years, but I have a four-year-old all of a sudden. I guess I’m doing something right if she’s happy staying with me so far. I also realize my place isn’t very child-friendly. I could use a few more toys and less impractical furniture.

The next day, I let Estelle pick one of the bedrooms to become her own. She’s so happy about getting her own room at my place and picks one with a good view of the sea, but more importantly, the one closest to mine. I tell her we will decorate it to her liking, and we spend the day going to furniture and toy stores. After a while, she goes for a winter theme after her new favorite Disney movie. She is most excited that we will paint it together, as she picked some turquoise paint.

We visit her mother in the afternoon, but as expected, Elena only wants to see her daughter. We barely exchange a few words. I’m fine with just seeing her for a while though. I spend more time discreetly inquiring with her doctor. She’s getting better, and should be discharged soon, much to my relief.

After two hours, Estelle agrees to leave, a bit sad to part with her mom again, and we spend the rest of the evening painting, as she was excited to start remodeling her new bedroom and finish the night by watching more Disney movies with my delicious homemade pizza.

While putting my daughter to bed, I realize I completely forgot about work, but Isaac didn’t call me, and neither did my secretary, so I guess it’s fine…

The next morning, Damian calls me.

“Elena can leave the hospital.”

“What? Really?”

I’m busy preparing breakfast for my daughter who’s still asleep, and I almost drop the pan. She… Elena can leave the hospital? Already?

“Yeah,” says Damian. “Her shoulder is still injured, so her arm is not healed completely, but her legs are fine now. She can walk, and apparently, she insisted on leaving quite a lot.”

“When?” I ask, fidgety.

“She’ll be discharged after they give her a new cast and she gets the clearance, so… in an hour or so.”

“Okay. Can you delay it? I want to bring Estelle there before she leaves.”

“Fine, I’ll talk to the hospital director. But hurry up.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

I hang up, and notice Estelle woke up, walking to me half-asleep while carrying her new bunny plushie.

“Good morning, Daddy,” she says in her sleepy voice.

I walk over to kiss her cheek, picking her up to carry her. Even her eyes are still fighting to stay open.

“Baby, I got good news from your uncle.”

“Uncle Damian?”

“Yes. Your mom is leaving the hospital today.”

Suddenly, she’s completely awake and excited, her big eyes looking at me.

“Really? Really, Daddy? Mommy can leave? Today?”

“Yes, baby. So, you should eat your breakfast and we can go see her.”

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