'I'm so sorry you won't meet your daddy... This isn't the way I had planned for this to happen but I need you to hold on in there because I'm not quite sure I could cope with losing you as well.' Carla whispers, her hands pressed flat against her stomach as she lies in bed. Reaching to her side she sighs and lifts the white envelope with her name written across it.
'Shall we see what daddy wanted to say to us.' She mumbles. She glances at the envelope containing he letter Nick had written shortly after he'd been diagnosed before beginning to open it. Taking a deep breath she pulls the letter out and begins to read.
'Baby,
If you're reading this then I guess I'm gone, aren't I? I didn't want us to end like this, I didn't want us to end at all. You were always the one for me even if you could be a right cow at times. I loved you so much, Carla. I'll always love you and when I do eventually go I'll wait for you on the other side, longing for the day we can be together again. Although not too soon, ey? Our girls need their mummy around to make everything okay again.
I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I've been forced to leave you. I'm sorry I couldn't give you that third child we both longed for. I want nothing more than for you to be happy. I want you to take the girls to Disney and do everything else we ever wanted to do with them. Show them the world and never let anything keep you down. And if you find someone who makes you happy, who takes care of you and loves you the way you deserve, don't let thoughts of me keep you from him. Be happy, be loved and know that I am always watching over you with a smile on my face.
All my love,
Nick.'
Tears roll down her cheeks as she rolls onto her side facing his side of the bed.
'Oh Nick...' She mumbles, her hand remaining on her stomach as she gazes at their wedding picture on the bedside table.
'Nick, please? Just give me a sign that you're still here.' She says glancing up at the celling. As if on cue the bedside lamp flickers causing her to smile slightly.
'There's my Nicky Tilsley.' She whispers reaching up to wipe her cheeks. She hears the door creak open and someone enter the room.
'Mummy...' A little voice says and Carla automatically turns.
'Hi, sweetheart... What's the matter? Shouldn't you be sleeping?' Carla asks as Willow makes her way towards the bed.
'Couldn't sleep, mumma.' The five year old replies and Carla pulls the duvet back a bit.
'Come snuggle with mummy.' Carla says. Willow climbs into the bed and Carla wraps her arms around her.
'I love you baby girl and daddy loved you loads.' Carla whispers.
'Love you mummy.' Willow replies.
'We're going to be okay, Willow. I don't know when this will get easy but I've been told it will so I know we'll be okay.' Carla says quietly as the little girl begins to doze off in her arms.