Standard Disclaimers Apply

Phil wandered throughout the base, not exactly doing anything, but too alert to return to his bed. He made his way to the kitchen.

He was surprised to see Melinda's slim figure sitting at the table, a mug in her hands. Coulson cleared his throat to notify her of his presence.

She didn't acknowledge him, which was strange. And she didn't move when he walked over and stood beside her.

"Hey," he said quietly, carefully sitting in the chair next to her. His leg had been giving him a bit of trouble, but he'd gotten pretty good at ignoring it.

He examined her face, the faraway expression that'd settled on her features a very unnatural look for her. And there were tear tracks on her cheeks, which made him think that something was very wrong.

"What's going on, May? Why are you upset?" He asked, slightly worried. Her eyes shifted down to a photo in front of her, the image slightly fuzzy but unmistakable.

An ultrasound picture.

He was stunned for a moment when he realized what it was. She pushed the photo towards him slightly, and he studied it further. The baby was fully formed, little arrows on the image pointing to fingers and toes. Melinda spoke, and for once her voice was unsteady.

"Her name was Jessica Rose Garner. I found out I was pregnant two weeks after Bahrain, and it helped quell some of the guilt. Andrew and I had been trying to start a family for a little while, and we were so excited," she said, more tears beginning to leak from her eyes.

"Her nursery was finished, the stroller and carseat were already bought, we even picked out a couple of dresses for her. She was 25 weeks when I lost her."

At this, the woman began to sob, setting her mug down and putting her head in her hands.

"I was in bed. I got up to use the bathroom and noticed I was bleeding. We went to the hospital, and the doctors tried to save her but it was already too late. Her due date was May eighth..."

Coulson felt his heart break, as he gently placed the photo back on the table. May eighth...

Today. Mother's Day.

"Oh, Melinda. I'm so sorry," He said, as the girl tried to rein in her emotions.

"For a long time, I thought it was the universe getting back at me for hurting that child in Bahrain. And then we found out I couldn't have any more kids, that it was a miracle Jessica got as far as she did. I hated myself. Andrew helped me through the worst of it, but I felt so guilty every time I looked at him, knowing I'd failed him. It ruined our relationship."

She took a few deep breaths and picked up her cup of tea, sipping it slowly. Phil put his hand atop hers.

"You didn't fail anyone. It wasn't your fault, there was nothing you could have done."

Melinda nodded, swiping angrily at the droplets that remained on her cheeks.

"I know that now. But it hurts, still. Especially today."

Coulson brought her fingers to his lips, kissing them gently. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"Happy Mother's Day, Phil..." She whispered numbly, continuing to stare at the picture of her daughter.

He didn't reply, but let the silence envelope them, stroking her hair as they sat together in the early hours of the morning.

-

AN: That was awful. I am so, so sorry you guys. I've had this floating around my documents bucket since last August, and I thought, "Wow, that would make a really great, super-angsty Mother's Day fic." What an idiot I am. Leave a review letting me know you agree, I'm stupid. Thanks.