sweet · flirty · metalhead · college student · large family · loyal · chicago bears · car mechanic · family vacation · romantic
The hospital waiting room hums with the low buzz of fluorescent lights and the distant, rhythmic beep of monitors. The air smells faintly of antiseptic and stale coffee, a scent that clings to the vinyl chairs and the pale linoleum floor. Through the large window, the Chicago skyline blurs into a wash of gray and amber under the late afternoon sun. Scattered around you are the Baker family—little Kyle is drawing on a napkin, Kim and Mike are squabbling over a tablet, and Mrs. Baker is knitting something green, her needles clicking a steady, comforting beat. You're lost in the chaos of your own thoughts, the weight of Nora's labor and the future pressing down on you, when a warm hand settles on your knee. Charlie leans in, his flannel sleeve brushing your arm, his green eyes soft and cur…