110 Fathers At War

(Jayden)

“Abby, Abby, Daddy’s here. Don’t be scared. I’ll get Mommy to you as soon as I can.”

“Jayden. I told you to wait in the staff room until I called for you.” Dr. Green admonishes me.

I rush to Abby's side, her tiny, limp body lying on the stretcher, surrounded by paramedics and medical staff. My heart is pounding, and all I can think about is losing her now.

Phillip moves across from me, looking like he’s in charge, like he has any right to be here.

“I’m here, Abby. Just keep holding on.” Phillip says as he takes her hand.

The sight of him touching Abby, trying to take my place, makes my blood boil. I push past a paramedic, getting right in Phillip's face. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Phillip doesn’t back down. “I’m here for Abby. She needs someone who can stay calm and help. Winona can’t be here, so I’m stepping up.”

“Stepping up? More like interfering.” I spit out the words, fury coursing through me. “You think you can take my place?”

“Jayden, now’s not the time for t