Freedom
Disclaimer: I do not own Downton Abbey.
She awoke in a sweat, groggy and achy. Memories of the past few days briefly flashed through her mind, clearing out the fog. Sitting up, she recognized her surroundings, grateful to be at Downton. Pain sliced through her torso and she slid onto her back once more.
"Sybil?"
She moved her head to the sound of his voice and smiled. "Tom." She noted the tears in his eyes and her stomach leaped into her throat. "The baby?"
"She's fine. She's beautiful." A few tears escaped his eyes and it broke her heart to see him this way.
"My darling, what ever is the matter?"
She seemed to have taken Tom by surprise with her question. She watched as he composed himself, inwardly bracing herself for his answer.
"What is the last thing you remember, Sybil?"
The use of her name brought goosebumps onto her skin. She tried to recollect her last memory. "Dr. Clarkson…he was concerned about me…" She pressed her hand to her lips. "How long ago was that?"
"3 days." He watched her wince, and reached out for her free hand. "Wait here." He left the room quietly, leaving Sybil to recall what happened three days ago. She gave birth to a daughter.I have a little girl, she thought with a smile. How did she give birth? The pain in her abdomen area gave her a hint. Surgery.
There were footsteps outside the door, then the click of the door opening. Tom was back and in his arms was a squirming bundle. Sybil's heart jumped at the sight and she managed a way to sit up just a little.
Tom sat down beside her on the bed and she got a better look at the bundle. Their daughter was awake and wriggling around in the blanket she was wrapped in. Sybil held out her arms and Tom carefully handled the baby over. A small gasp escaped Sybil's lips and tears started to roll down her cheeks. "Oh my love." she murmured, glancing over at her husband.
"You gave me a fright, Sybil." He confessed, pressing his lips to her temple. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"You will never have to find out," she reassured, leaning into him.
"Everyone wants to know her name."
Sybil was quiet for a few minutes and Tom could practically see the thoughts echo across her face. Slowly, a smile spread across her lips and she snuggled the baby in her arms. "Saoirse. It means—"
"Freedom."
