"Harriet, lunch is ready." Jackson calls to his daughter as he places their sandwiches and veggie tray down on the table.
Harriet comes out of her room and Jackson helps her into her booster seat before also sitting down for lunch. Normally he cant get Hattie to stop talking however today she has been extra quiet.
"You're quiet today sweetpea, everything ok?" Jackson asks. "You have the same look on your face that mommy does when she's thinking super hard."
"I am thinking hard." Harriet responds simply "You know how you and mama read me that book about the sickness right now?"
"Ya I do, is that what you've been thinking about?" Jacksons asks. They had read Harriet a kid version of what Covid19 was to help her understand things going on.
"Ya because I know you said I can't go to daycare at the hospital anymore or to school or my friends because it's not safe but you and mama are still going to the hospital. I'm scared you're not safe and grandma Catherine and grandpa Richard and all my aunts and uncles are still going too, so is everybody not being safe? Harriet asks
"Oh bug that's a lot of worrying going on in your head. I am so sorry mama and I didnt even think about the fact that a lot of people you love are still going to a place you're not allowed to be right now huh."
"Ya plus I miss having you and mama together with me." Harriet whispers as tears start flowing down her cheeks.
For the time being Jackson and April were on opposite shifts so that one of them was always able to be home with Harriet so she was quarantined from others as much as was possible for them.
"Aw Hattie that's a lot going on for you. I understand I miss spending time with mama too, so much." Jackson says as he lifts Harriet out of her booster chairs and takes her over to the couch. They cuddle for a few minutes allowing Harriet to have her feelings. Once she's calmed down Jackson has an idea.
"Hey Hattie, do you want to know the secrets that mama and daddy and everyone else who has to work at the hospital use to stay safe?" Jackson asks her.
With excitement in her eyes Harriet enthusiastically nods her head.
"Ok well first we need to get you the right outfit. I think mama has a couple old scrub caps upstairs, let's get one and you can decorate it as your own."
"Yes! You have the dark blue ones and mama has the flower ones and I can have my own ones too!" Harriet exclaims
"Yes, that's one of the most important parts, having a scrub cap that's only yours. Ok let's go!" Jackson says
He grabs an old light blue scrub cap stored in their upstairs closet with all their random bits and bobs and brings it down to Harriet at her craft table to decorate. After about half an hour Harriet proudly shows her dad the scrub cap that is now painted as a rainbow and covered in glittery yellow stars.
"That looks awesome Hattie! While we leave it to dry the next thing we need is a gown that goes over your clothes to protect them." Jackson explains.
"How about we use my robe I use after the bath?" Harriet suggests.
"Great idea, lets go get it!" Jackson says as he follows Harriet who is bounding up the stairs.
Together they collect Harriet's robe, and face mask and gloves they had put into Harriet's doctor kit years ago. After collecting all the items they need Jackson and Harriet head back down stairs to check on the scrub cap.
"It's dry daddy! What's next?" Harriet asks.
"That's awesome. Ok first we need to put your protective gown on" Jackson says wrapping Harriet in her robe. "Now we can put the scrub cap and mask on...and finally before we put on our gloves we need to wash our hands." Jackson says as he and Harriet head to the kitchen sink and he helps her up on the step stool so she can reach the soap and water. "I know mama and I taught you to sing happy birthday twice but today I'm going to show you the special way we have to wash our hands to make sure they're extra clean. We dont have special surgeon soap today but that's ok." Jackson says as he takes the next few minutes to show Harriet how to scrub in like a surgeon.
"Woah daddy this is a lot of work! I'm glad it keeps you safe!" Harriet exclaims. "Do I look like a real surgeon now?" she asks
"You sure do!" Jackson chuckles. In fact, I think we should facetime mommy and show her. What do you think?"
"Yes! Harriet exclaims as she pulls on the gloves that'll finish off her outfit.
Jackson dials April's number a few minutes later when he knows she's on a break.
"Jackson! Hi how are you doing? I miss you and bug so much." she says, she sounds so tired but he knows she's trying to stay up beat.
"Speaking of bug I want to introduce you to Dr. Kepner Avery!" Jackson says turning his phone to Harriet who is giggling behind her mask while waving at her mom with her gloved hands "Hi mama! Look at me, I'm all safe and ready to doctor like you and daddy! I even washed my hands the way you do and I decorated my own scrub cap! See?!" Harriet says excitedly
"Oh my goodness bug look at you!" April giggles. " I love your scrub cap! And that robe, what a stylish protective gown!"
"Hattie was feeling nervous about us being at the hospital and being safe so we had an afternoon learning about how we make sure we stay healthy and safe while at work." Jackson explains.
"And I really miss having you and daddy together with me." Harriet says after removing her mask "We're kinda together now!"
"Aw baby girl I'm so glad daddy taught you all about how we're staying safe. I know I miss us being all together too but I'm glad we could facetime. I have to go back to work now, but I love you so much! Be good for daddy and Ill see you tomorrow night." April reminds her.
"Alright Hattie, head upstairs and get ready for your bath and I'll join you in a second." Jackson says removing her scrub cap and ruffling her hair.
"Night mama, love you." Harriet says as she leaves to go upstairs
"I feel so bad April, I mean she is right it is scary that all the adults in her life work at a hospital right now." Jackson says exhaustedly
"I know Jackson but we're doing the best we can. And you're such a good dad, comforting her and making her fears into fun memories, it makes me love you even more. We can do this Jackson one step at a time together. I love you." April says
"I love you too April Kepner. We will get through this together. Me and you and our baby girl too. I cannot wait until we can live in a family bubble for a little while once this is all over. Just the three of us.
"Just the three of us." April agrees.