20th of August 2011, 21:00 ~ Brisbane Hospital
In a small room on the 4th level, the sounds of frantic screaming and huffing echoed, revealing the high tension within. The room was filled with six dogs: two Heelers—one red and one blue—alongside four shepherds of different breeds dressed in scrubs.
"Get me a freaking towel, Bandit!" Chili bellowed, her voice cutting through the chaos.
"Chili, you al—" Bandit started to explain that she already had a towel, but was interrupted by her sharp command.
"Now!"
Sighing, Bandit handed her another towel, which Chili used to wipe her brow before tossing it onto the ever-growing pile next to her. You'd think that after seven grueling hours, the blue Heeler would have cracked under the pressure, but he was resolute. Today was the day they would welcome their first child into the world, provided everything went smoothly.
The pregnancy had been far from easy; they had rushed to the hospital multiple times due to complications, and each time, the doctors managed to resolve the issues. But the next few hours would determine whether their child would survive or not.
4 Hours Later
Exhausted, Bandit had fallen asleep on the couch after holding Chili's hand throughout the labor, while she had only been able to cradle their newborn for a brief moment before the doctors whisked the baby away into another room, leaving a shell-shocked mother and father behind. That had been over three hours ago, and in that time, no one had given them an update. Both parents were emotionally drained and fell into a restless sleep.
Suddenly, a border collie wearing a lab coat entered the room. She paused at the sight of the fresh parents, slumped in their exhaustion. "Uhmm," the border collie attempted to wake them. Receiving no response after a few tries, Bandit stirred awake and quickly bolted upright.
"YOU. WHAT'S HAPPENING? WHERE IS MY KID?" Bandit shouted, his voice trembling with fear and building tears.
The loud exclamation startled Chili awake just in time to hear the answer: "NICU."
That single word shattered her composure, and she broke down in tears, fearing the worst. With a broken voice, she asked, "Why is my son in the NICU?"
The border collie turned toward Chili. "First, let me introduce myself. I'm Chelsey Collie, and I will be taking care of both you and your newborn. Your son is currently in the NICU due to complications during birth, which caused him to go into respiratory distress."
Chili gasped at the answer, her sobs intensifying. Chelsey felt a deep pang of sympathy for her; it had already been a difficult pregnancy, and now this.
"Don't worry, Miss Heeler. While he's in the NICU, his life isn't in danger. The doctors managed to resolve the immediate issues, and they will bring him down to you tomorrow," Chelsey assured them.
Bandit was still standing there, looking worried. He finally found the strength to ask, "Can we see him?"
"Unfortunately, no. Visiting hours for the NICU are over, so you will have to wait until morning. For now, I advise you to rest," she said with a gentle tone before exiting the room.
Morning, 6:00 AM
Both Heelers hadn't managed to sleep at all, plagued by stress and worry about their son. They tossed and turned, unable to find comfort in the monotonous sounds of the hospital. Eventually, Bandit fell off the couch in frustration. "I'm going to get coffee. Do you need anything, honey?" he asked.
Silence responded, save for a soft grunt, which he interpreted as a yes. As he exited the room, he nearly collided with the border collie from earlier.
"Chelsey, right? Do you know when I can see my kid?" he asked with urgency.
"Sadly, no, sir. But I'll give the NICU a call and let you know." Chelsey's eyes softened. "Can I help with anything else?"
Bandit hesitated before responding. "Are you able to provide breakfast for me and my wife? We haven't eaten since yesterday morning."
The collie nodded, motioning for him to return to the room.
After a lengthy wait, Bandit sighed. "Guess I have to find some food myself." He headed for the door, but just then, it opened to reveal a trolley carrying trays of food, with Chelsey behind it.
"Sorry for the wait, Mr. Heeler! I thought you both could use something to eat," she said, pushing the trolley into the room.
Bandit smiled in gratitude as she began to set up the food. "Thank you so much, Chelsey. We really appreciate it," he said, noting the kindness in her eyes.
As the delicious aroma of breakfast filled the room, Bandit turned to see Chili stirring awake. She rubbed her eyes and caught a glimpse of the food spread. "Is that… breakfast?"
"Yes! Finally!" Bandit exclaimed, relief washing over him. "We can eat something before we see our little guy."
Chili managed a weak smile, grateful for the sustenance. Together, they took a moment to eat, fueled mostly by worry but also rekindled by the comfort of being together.
Once they finished, Bandit glanced at the clock, then at Chelsey. "Have you heard anything from the NICU?"
"Just that your son is stable. I'll call again to check for any updates. I promise to keep you informed," the collie said reassuringly before stepping out to make the call.
With the silence heavy in the air, Bandit took a deep breath. He reached for Chili's hand, squeezing it gently. "He's going to be okay, right?" he asked, his voice just above a whisper.
Chili nodded but didn't meet his gaze. "I hope so. I just can't help but worry…"
"Me too," Bandit admitted, brushing his thumb across her knuckles. "But we've been through a lot already. We need to stay strong for him."
A few moments of silence passed before the door creaked open and Chelsey returned. "How are you both holding up?" she asked, reading the concern etched on their faces.
"We're managing," Chili replied, her voice thick with emotion.
"Good to hear. I just received an update. Your son is doing better, and the doctors are pleased with his progress. You should be able to see him soon," Chelsey said, allowing a glimpse of relief to wash over Bandit and Chili.
Chili's breath caught in her throat, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Thank you! When can we see him?" she asked, her heart racing with hope.
"Once you finish your breakfast and give us a few moments to ensure everything is prepared, I'll take you to the NICU. You can see him for a bit," Chelsey offered, bringing a smile to both parents' faces.
"Thank you for everything," Bandit said, his voice filled with gratitude.
A few minutes later, as they cleaned up the remnants of their breakfast, Bandit and Chili felt the anticipation build within them. Their hearts raced, knowing they would soon meet their sweet baby boy.
As they walked down the hallway with Chelsey leading the way, every step felt charged with excitement and anticipation. They passed doors labeled with various departments until they reached the NICU.
Chelsey turned to them with a reassuring smile. "Just remember to take your time with him. He may be small, but you will feel the love in the room." She opened the door, revealing a brightly lit space filled with gentle beeping and soft voices.
The couple stepped inside, and their eyes fell on the small incubator at the far end. Inside, they could see their son, a tiny bundle wrapped in warm blankets, with various monitors surrounding him to ensure his stability.
The pup was a striking sight to behold. He was a red and blue heeler mix, showcasing vibrant hues of orange as his main color that radiated warmth and vitality. One of his legs displayed three distinct shades of blue, a beautiful gradient that shimmered gently as he moved. His body and tail were predominantly blue, reflecting different shades that danced softly in the light. His small face was framed by soft fur and had the signature characteristics of his breed, including alert ears and a little button nose. Even in his fragile state, there was a palpable sense of strength and personality radiating from him, hinting at the adventurous spirit he would surely grow they gazed at him, they noted the tiny bracelet attached to his wrist.
Name: Biscuit Mort Heeler
Date of Birth: 20-08-2011, 23:54
"Is that him?" Chili breathed, a mix of awe and fear casting a spell over her.
Bandit nodded, unable to speak as he took in the sight of his son, so delicate yet so perfect.
They approached the incubator slowly, their hearts full, and as they neared, they could see the small details of his face—the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the faintest hint of a smile that seemed to grace his lips even in sleep, and the iridescent quality of his blue hues that captivated their hearts. Bandit felt his heart swell with pride.
"Biscuit," Bandit whispered, smiling at their son. "Welcome to the world!"
Chili reached out hesitantly, as if she were afraid to disturb him, but she placed her hand gently against the glass. "We love you so much, little one," she murmured, tears spilling down her cheeks.
As they stood together, gazing at their baby, the worries of the previous hours began to fade away, replaced by the warmth of family love. They both knew they were ready to embrace the challenges ahead, together.
A Few Hours Later
Biscuit lay peacefully in his incubator, surrounded by the soft hum of medical equipment. Bandit and Chili remained close by, their hearts swelling with love and anticipation as they watched their tiny son fight through his first moments of life. The doctors assured them that he was stable, and they both took comfort in that, but the worry etched on their faces lingered.
The night wore on, and after what felt like an eternity, the doctor finally entered the room to check on the new family. "You're doing well, and your son is making progress," she informed them. "We'll monitor Biscuit in the NICU for a bit longer, but you'll be able to hold him soon."
Bandit's face lit up with relief. "Can we see him now?" he asked eagerly.
"Yes! Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly first," she instructed with a kind smile.
The couple rushed to follow her guidance, their movements tinged with excitement and anticipation. Once they were at the incubator, Bandit gazed down at his son, his heart swelling with pride. "This is our little Biscuit," he said softly, emotion thick in his voice.
Chili leaned closer, placing her hand gently on the incubator's glass. "We love you, Biscuit. You're so strong," she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.
After a few moments filled with admiration and quiet joy, the doctors gently placed Biscuit into Chili's arms, giving her the chance to hold him for the first time.
"He's so small and perfect," she said, her voice trembling with emotion as she cradled him carefully, feeling the warmth of his tiny body against her.
Bandit's heart swelled even further as he watched his wife embrace their son. "We made him, Chili. He's ours. And we've got you, Biscuit. We'll always take care of you," he declared, stepping closer.
After spending some cherished moments with Biscuit, it was time for them to leave the hospital. Bandit and Chili, with their hearts full, thanked the doctors and nurses for their support and care. As they walked out, they carefully placed Biscuit in a baby carrier, securing him snugly.
As they stepped into the sunlight outside the hospital, the world felt brighter and more beautiful. The fresh air rushed over them as they carefully placed Biscuit in the car seat, making sure he was secure.
"Honey, we made it!" Bandit said, glancing at Chili, who looked back with a beaming smile.
"Yes! We're finally going home with our little Biscuit," she replied, her heart light with joy.
The family drove home, filled with laughter and dreams about all the wonderful moments they would share. Biscuit's first homecoming was steeped in hope and excitement as they envisioned their future together.
Brisbane, November 2016 – Morning
The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the Heeler household. Bandit was laying in a chair in the playroom, reading the news on his phone, while every now and then, he shifted his gaze to the small kids in the room to see what they were up to. He watched as Biscuit, the young red-and-blue Heeler, played with some toy cars, making vroom noises. The small pup was completely lost in his imagination.
Bandit then looked around, wondering where Bluey had wandered off to while sitting up. This was the moment the lively blue Heeler had been waiting for. As soon as she noticed Bandit wasn't paying attention, she jumped, trying to topple her dad—though she failed miserably. Bandit chuckled to himself, expecting this and quickly grabbing Bluey by the scruff in mid-air.
"Ah, this is where you've been hanging out! You know, Bluey, you won't be able to sneak up on me," he said with a laugh, putting the now-pouting child down gently.
He patted her head affectionately before calling Biscuit, "Hey, Biscuit, we're leaving in a few minutes. Start cleaning up your toys."
Getting no response from his oldest child, Bandit whistled sharply. A confused Biscuit looked up to see why someone was whistling, only to hear his dad say, "Biscuit. Toys. Now."
The little Heeler sulked a bit, wanting to continue playing, but he also knew they were going to visit Uncle Stripe and Aunt Trixie, something he was even more excited about. Slowly, his tail started to wag at the thought of all the games they would play.
Just then, Chili came down the stairs, a sunny smile on her face. "Time to go! Trixie is waiting for us!" she yelled cheerfully.
Hearing two pairs of footsteps quickly coming toward her, she smiled, knowing the kids would come running with a million questions. Sure enough, Biscuit piped up, "Muuuummm, when is our baby sister coming? I want to meet her!"
"Oh, Biscuit, we have to wait a few more weeks," Chili replied, her tone soothing yet firm.
"Just go pick her up, Mum!" Biscuit insisted, his youthful enthusiasm shining through.
"That's not how it works, kiddo. Babies don't just get picked up," she explained gently.
"But that happened with Bluey! You and Dad left, and then she came home with you!" Biscuit retorted, furrowing his little brow.
Chili paused for a moment, surprised that Biscuit remembered such details from when he was just two years old, but she smiled at his innocence. "I'm sorry, Biscuit. You're still too young to understand this. I'll tell you more when you're older," she said, wishing she could share the magic of the situation more clearly.
The small Heeler frowned, wanting an answer now but instinctively knowing that pushing wouldn't yield results. He sighed, "Okay, Mum," and looked a bit sad.
Bandit walked by, picking up Bluey. "Alright, squirts, time to go! You got everything?" he asked, glancing around to ensure they hadn't forgotten anything.
The four Heelers walked out of the house and headed to their car, which was a bit messy and smaller, especially with three child seats in the back. As Bluey climbed into the car, Biscuit helped buckle her up, making her giggle as his fur brushed past her face.
"We're going to Uncle Stripe and Aunt Trixie's!" Biscuit cheered, excitement in his voice.
Halfway to their destination, however, Chili suddenly grunted, "Bandit, hospital now," her voice strained and panicked.
Bluey was too young to notice the urgency, but Biscuit picked up on his mother's distress. He knew what a hospital meant and what occurred there; after all, he had been there before, and none of his memories were particularly happy ones.
Feeling uneasy, Biscuit started to hyperventilate, watching as his mum contorted in pain. His heart raced, mirroring the panic growing within him. Bandit noticed that both of his worlds—Chili and Biscuit—were unraveling at the seams, and he didn't know how to help.
"Calm down, Biscuit, calm down. Mum is fine," he said, trying to soothe them both, but Biscuit only panicked more at the strain in his father's voice.
"Shit, shit, shit," Bandit thought, his focus entirely on getting to the hospital as quickly as possible. He activated the sat-nav
Biscuit slowly opened his eyes, his head pounding, and the bright lights stung his vision. A familiar voice echoed from a distance. "Welcome back, kiddo." He squinted, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
"How are you doing, kid?" the same voice asked again. Biscuit turned his head toward the sound and recognized Bandit, his dad.
"Dad!" the red-and-blue Heeler exclaimed, relief washing over him. "You gave us all a big scare, kid," Bandit said, his expression a mix of concern and affection. Biscuit looked around, realizing that his mom wasn't there with him. He spotted Bluey playing quietly on the floor but felt a wave of panic. "Where's Mum?"
"She's a few floors up, Biscuit. She's fine—I promise. Your mum is having your baby sister right now," Bandit reassured him, kneeling by Biscuit's side.
Biscuit began to calm down, settling back against the pillows but still feeling shaken. "Why am I here?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"You passed out in the car, so the doctors wanted to check on you. We're just waiting for the results before we go see your mum," Bandit explained, resting a comforting paw on Biscuit's shoulder.
They chatted for a few minutes until a border collie entered the room. "Hi, Biscuit! How are you feeling? I heard you gave your parents quite a scare," Chelsey said, her eyes twinkling with concern but also warmth.
Recognizing her, Biscuit replied, "Chelsey!" his spirits lifting a bit.
"I need to talk to your dad for a moment, and then we can go see your mum," she said, glancing at Bandit.
As they stepped into the hallway, Chelsey sighed, her brow furrowed. "I have some good news and some concerning news," she began. Bandit listened intently, his heart racing. "Biscuit is fine for now. He didn't sustain any damage from the fainting spell. However, I'm afraid this might be the first of many such incidents. I believe Biscuit may be prone to anxiety and panic attacks."
Bandit's expression darkened. "So what do we do about it?"
"For now, just try to avoid high-stress situations," Chelsey advised, her voice steady.
"Well, he's about to become a big brother. I'd say this is pretty high-stress," Bandit replied, glancing back into the room where Biscuit sat.
"Yes, I'm aware of that. But I believe Biscuit will be fine. He seems to be excited about meeting his sister," Chelsey said, offering a small smile.
Bandit nodded, understanding the concern but still feeling hopeful.
Chelsey headed back into the room, and Bandit returned to Biscuit's side, kneeling down to meet his son's gaze. "Hey, you ready to go visit your mum and meet your sister?"
Biscuit's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes! I can't wait to see them!"
"Alright, let's go, little buddy," Bandit said, helping Biscuit sit up. They walked together toward the elevator, Biscuit feeling a flicker of anxiety but overshadowed by the joy of becoming a big brother.
As they stepped into the elevator, Biscuit's heart raced with anticipation for the new adventure ahead.
As the elevator doors opened, Biscuit and Bandit stepped into the brightly lit corridor, with Bluey following closely behind. The air felt charged with anticipation, and Biscuit could hardly contain his excitement.
"Is she really here, Dad?" Biscuit asked, his tail wagging furiously.
"Yep! Just a little farther down this hall," Bandit replied, encouraging a bounce in his step. Bluey was practically vibrating with joy beside them.
They walked past a series of rooms adorned with cheerful decorations and familiar medical equipment until Bandit finally stopped in front of a door marked "Newborn Unit." He looked down at his kids, eyes glimmering with joy. "Are you both ready?"
"Ready!" Biscuit and Bluey replied in unison, their voices filled with eagerness.
Bandit swung the door open, revealing a cozy room filled with warmth. In the center was a small incubator where a tiny pup rested, surrounded by soft blankets and gentle monitors beeping reassuringly.
Biscuit's eyes widened as he caught sight of the little bundle. "Is that her?" he gasped, stepping closer.
"Yes, that's your sister, Bingo," Bandit said, pride swelling in his chest.
Bluey peered over at her little brother. "She's so small! Can we hold her?"
"Just a moment," Bandit said, moving to the side of the incubator. The sight of Bingo, a fluffy ball of fur with the same striking colors as her big brother and sister, melted his heart. "Let's check with the nurse first."
Just then, Chelsey walked in, a warm smile on her face. "Hey there! I thought I'd find you all here," she said. "Are you ready to meet your new sister?"
"She's so cute!" Bluey squealed, bouncing on her paws.
"Can I hold her?" Biscuit asked, his gaze fixed on Bingo's tiny face, a mix of curiosity and awe.
"Of course," Chelsey said, approaching the incubator. "First, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly." She guided Biscuit and Bluey to the sink, where they scrubbed their paws under the warm water.
Afterward, Bandit carefully lifted Bingo from the incubator, cradling her gently in his arms. The little puppy wriggled slightly, and Bandit brought her closer to his children.
Biscuit's eyes sparkled as he watched his dad. "She's so tiny! Can I touch her?"
"Absolutely," Bandit replied, positioning Bingo for Biscuit to gently run a finger over her soft fur. "Be very gentle, okay?"
Biscuit nodded eagerly, reaching out to stroke Bingo's head. "Hi, Bingo! I'm your big brother Biscuit. I'm gonna show you all the best games!" He beamed, pride swelling in his little chest.
"Hi, sister! I'm Bluey, and I'm gonna be the best big sister ever!" Bluey chimed in, her voice filled with excitement.
Bingo let out a tiny whimper, and Bandit smiled. "See, she already knows her big siblings are here to protect her."
"Can I hold her too?" Bluey asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Just a second, let's make sure she's comfy," Bandit said, settling Bingo in his arms one more time, adjusting her blanket. He then carefully handed her to Biscuit, who beamed with joy as he cradled her with utmost care.
"Wow, she's so soft!" Biscuit marveled, glancing up at Bandit. "Look, Dad! I'm holding her!"
Bandit's heart filled with warmth as he watched Biscuit handle Bingo with care. "You're doing great, buddy."
"Can I hold her next?" Bluey pleaded, her excitement bubbling over.
"Alright, but let's make sure to be gentle," Bandit cautioned, helping Biscuit pass Bingo to his little sister. With little arms outstretched, Bluey carefully took Bingo into her embrace with a look of sheer happiness.
"Hello, little one! I'm your big sister, Bluey! We're gonna have so much fun together!" she gushed, lightly bouncing Bingo on her lap.
Biscuit watched with a big smile, his tail wagging as he looked at his two family members. "We're a team now!" he exclaimed.
"Absolutely," Bandit said, wrapping an arm around both of his kids as they gazed at their new sister. "Welcome to the family, Bingo. You're going to have the best adventures with your siblings."
In that moment, surrounded by love and warmth, Biscuit, Bluey, and Bandit knew their family was now complete, and their hearts were brimming
As they prepared to leave the hospital with their new addition, the atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation. Bandit watched his children interact, his heart swelling with pride. But beneath that happiness, he couldn't shake the memory of Biscuit's earlier panic attack.
"Hey, Biscuit," Bandit said softly, kneeling down to his son's level as he cradled Bingo. "Can we talk for a moment about what happened in the car?"
Biscuit shifted uncomfortably, unsure if he wanted to revisit that moment. He glanced at Bluey, who was busy cooing at Bingo, her fascination with her new sister evident. Bandit caught his son's gaze. "It's okay to talk about it, buddy. I just want to make sure you're feeling alright."
Biscuit took a deep breath, the earlier anxiety creeping back into his chest. "I just got scared, Dad. When Mum said the hospital… I thought something was really wrong with her."
Bandit nodded, understanding the depth of Biscuit's feelings. "That's completely okay, Biscuit. It was a scary situation for all of us. I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes."
"Why did I faint?" Biscuit asked, looking down at his feet, his voice tinged with concern.
"Well, it's possible that you were feeling anxious and then confused about what was happening, which can sometimes lead to a panic attack," Bandit explained gently, his brow furrowing as he recalled the panic they had all felt that day. "Your heart races, and it can feel like everything is closing in. But you were safe the whole time, and so is your mum."
Biscuit processed his dad's words, his little brow furrowing in thought. "Will it happen again?"
Bandit placed a reassuring paw on Biscuit's shoulder. "It might happen again, but we can work through it together. I'll help you learn how to manage those feelings when they come. You'll always have me and your mum to support you. You're not alone in this, okay?"
The little Heeler nodded, feeling a bit reassured. "Okay, Dad. I just don't want to feel like that again."
"I understand, and we'll do everything we can to prevent it," Bandit assured him, giving Biscuit a gentle squeeze.
As they shared this moment, Bandit glanced back at Chili, who was watching them with a warm smile. The love between them was evident, and Biscuit felt that warmth surrounding him.
"Are you ready to go home with your little sister?" Bandit asked, changing the subject to something lighter.
"Yeah! I can't wait to show her my toys!" Biscuit exclaimed, excitement replacing his earlier anxiety.
"Alright then! Let's get our family home," Bandit said as he lifted Bingo gently from Chili's arms and swaddled her snugly in a blanket.
As the family collected their belongings and prepared to leave, Bandit felt a sense of peace. They would navigate the days ahead together, facing any challenge that came their way with love, understanding, and plenty of laughter.
With Chili at his side and Biscuit and Bluey buzzing with excitement, Bandit knew their family was stronger than ever. They stepped out into the sunlight, ready to embrace this new chapter with open hearts.
As they stepped out into the bright Brisbane morning, a warm breeze enveloped them, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings. Bandit carefully secured Bingo in her car seat while Chili made sure Biscuit and Bluey were comfortably buckled in.
"Are we ready?" Bandit asked, glancing back at his children, their faces glowing with excitement.
"Ready!" Biscuit and Bluey exclaimed in unison, their tails wagging in anticipation.
"Alright, let's go home and make some memories!" Bandit announced, smiling as he slid into the driver's seat.
The car ride was filled with chatter about all the fun they would have as a family. Biscuit animatedly spoke about playdates and the games he planned to introduce to Bingo.
"Maybe we can have a teddy bear tea party!" he suggested enthusiastically.
"Yeah, and maybe Bingo can have pretend tea!" Bluey chimed in, her eyes sparkling with ideas.
As they drove, Bandit couldn't help but steal glances at the baby in the rearview mirror. She looked so tiny nestled in her car seat, and an overwhelming swell of love filled his heart. He turned to Chili, who caught his eye and smiled softly.
"It feels amazing to finally have her with us," he said gently, his voice filled with warmth.
Chili nodded, her own emotions running high. "It does. I can't wait to see how she fits into our family."
After a short drive, they arrived home. Bandit parked the car and turned to his kids. "Okay, champions, this is it! Welcome to your new home, Bingo!" he said, opening the door and stepping out.
He carefully lifted Bingo from the car, and Bandit and Chili walked toward the front door, with Biscuit and Bluey trailing excitedly behind.
As they entered the house, Bandit announced, "Alright, everyone, let's make this place so welcoming for our little star!"
Biscuit and Bluey rushed ahead, setting to work, "Let's decorate her nursery! She needs sparkly things!" Bluey declared.
Chili smiled while Bandit chuckled. "I think a little bit of sparkle goes a long way, Bluey," he said. "But let's keep it safe and cozy for Bingo, okay?"
Together, they began arranging toys and blankets, placing soft stuffed animals around the living room, and hanging up a few art pieces they had made the day before.
"Look, Mum! We made this for her!" Biscuit exclaimed, holding up his colorful card adorned with scribbled drawings.
"It's perfect! She's going to love it!" Chili replied, her heart brimming with pride.
As they settled into the familiar rhythm of their family life, Bandit felt lighter. They had faced the challenges of pregnancy and uncertainty together, and now the joy of welcoming Bingo brought them even closer.
Later that evening, after the house was filled with laughter and creativity, Bandit gathered the kids around. "Alright, everyone, let's have a little family celebration for our new arrival!"
"Yay!" Biscuit cheered, bouncing with excitement.
Chili clapped her hands. "How about a family dinner with a special dessert to celebrate Bingo?"
As the family prepared dinner together, Bandit felt grateful for the love surrounding him. This was the life he had dreamed of—filled with laughter, joy, and an ever-expanding family.
After the delicious meal, Bandit brought out a special cake adorned with "Welcome, Bingo!" written in colorful icing.
"This is for you, little sister!" Biscuit announced with glee as he looked at the cake, feeling proud to be a big brother.
As they dug into the cake, cheered by the joyful noise of sheer delight, Bandit reflected on how far they had come. With excitement abound and new adventures waiting, he knew deep down that the Heeler family was ready to face the world together.
A/N After uploading the chapter and reading it a few days later I wasnt happy with it. So I decided to completely rewrite it so it also hooks into the next chapters easier. I think it now holds a better flow and also is a bit more interesting.
Narrative mostly stayed the same but changed and defined especially Biscuits hardships at birth.
I hope people will enjoy it more now.
Currently workign on the next three chapters. I hope to release chapter two this weekend.