He can't believe that the small bundle in his arms, the small human being is his daughter. His daughter. For most of his life he's been reckless, immature and selfish. But, now since the arrival of this new thing, this small baby he's decided to leave his past life behind him. He's a dad now. Which means he has responsibilities, priorities. He has someone relying on him, someone who needs him. Now that she has come into his life he feels complete and he couldn't ask for anything else. He's happy. Happy then he's ever been and that's because of the two people he loves, the two people who mean the world to him. His brother and daughter.
Cal looks down at the sleeping infant he holds and smiles. She is so precious to him and to his brother. And since her arrival life has never been the same. She brings joy and meaning to their lives. And she is lucky to know she has two people who love her, love her with all their hearts. Her dad and her uncle. Call strokes her cheek. As he strokes her she stirs in her sleep. Standing up quietly so not to disturb her, Cal begins to rock her back and forth. Thinking she's finally settled, he gently lies her down in her crib. Leaning forward, he places a kiss on his daughter's head before switch off the lights and closing his bedroom door behind him. Entering the living room he sees Ethan sitting on the sofa.
"How is she?" Ethan whispers.
"Fine. She's settled." Cal replies sitting down next to him.
"You think she's going to like it here?"
"Yeah, I do."
Ethan smiles. He's happy his brother has decided to mature and he's happy Matilda's the one to help him do it. The two of them watch the TV in silence. That is until they are disturb by a crying sound coming from the bedroom. Cal is about to get up when Ethan beats him to it.
"Nah, you're alright. Let me do it.'
Minutes later Ethan comes back in carrying Matilda in his arms. He keeps rocking her as he sits back down.
"Couldn't sleep, Toad?" Cal asks his daughter as Ethan hands her to him.
Matilda responds with a cry. Cal lifts her and gently holds her against his shoulder. He pats her back hoping the action would calm her down but, she doesn't.
"I think she's burning up." Cal tells Ethan as he feels her forehead.
Ethan leans over and places his hand against his niece.
"It's a little bit hot. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."
"You said that last time she had a fever. And looked what happened then." Cal reminds him.
"That was different. She was allergic to the paint. Give her some 5 mLs of liquid paracetamol and if the fever hasn't gone down in an hour we'll take her to the hospital." Ethan answers.
An hour later Cal goes back into his bedroom to check on Matilda.
"Ethan!."
