He took a deep breath. He knew she needed it. It was time. He went to the dressing room, took the box and went to the living room where his daughter was.

T - Kiddo ?
E - Yes ?
T - I've got something for you.
E - What is it ?
T - A little something your mum did in case of someday you will have to grow without her. I was waiting to the right moment to give it to you. Well, i think it's time. I mean, for now i will only give you one thing from inside, and for the rest you will a little bit more. Are you ok with this?

She nodded. He opened the box, and took the USB Stick from the inside. He put the USB in his computer, and gave it to Ellie.

T - When you are ready press on this ok ?
E - Ok.. Did you already watch it ?
T - No kiddo, you will be the first. If you need me, i'm the kitchen

His kissed her, and left her alone. She took the computer on her lap and pressed the button.

" Hello sweatheart ... It's me, mum. Today you are 1 week old. I was waiting for you since forever. You know if you are watching this video it's because i'm not here anymore. I'm sure Dad has already told you why. First, i'm sorry baby. I fought so hard to stay alive, to come home with you and dad, but sometimes it's not enough. I'm sure you have a lot of questions, let me introduce myself to you. My name is Lucy and i'm so proud to be your mum. I met your daddy at work, we are police officer. He was my TO, i was his rookie. We were friends at first, and one day we realized there were something more. He asked me out, we kissed, he proposed, we had a beautiful wedding, and then YOU. You are the best thing we ever had in our life.  Baby, let me tell you, you have a village arround you. All mummy and daddy's friends from work are already loving you. Take care of Tamara, Love her as a sister. You know it's not easy to film this. I want to share a lot a things with you and i'm worry to forget a lot. I made you a box with a ton of memories : from me, with me, with us. Be proud of who you are, be proud to be you, be the personn you want to be. Never stop dreaming. You are capable of EVERYTHING, and no matter what, i will always be proud of you. You are enough, i promise you are enough.
Dad felt in love with you when he heard your heartbeat for the first time. You gave him so much joy, so much love. He will always be there for you. And if sometimes he acts a bit strangely it's because he's worry. Be gentle with him. He will always love you, he will choose your first. I'm so proud of you baby. I will always protect you. I know i'm not here physically, but i'm everywhere. I'm in your heart, i'm in your brain, i'm in your skin, i'm your dad's heart. I love you to the moon and back and even more. I'm so proud to be your mum... Tell your dad i'm still in love with him, even from here, and for the rest, he already knows everything. I miss you baby, watch this video everytime you will need it. I love you, and i always will. "

Tim heard everything. Her voice, her face. He missed her. So much.

E - Dadda ?

In her mouth " Dada " meant " i need you ". He sat next to her, took the computer off her lap, and took her in his arms. She started crying. Maybe it was too much to handle for a eight years old.

T - You okay kiddo ?
E - Hm hm
T - No lies baby
E - I'm ok i think. Mummy is beautiful.
T - Yes she is.
E - Thank you daddy. Now i know mama a bit more.
T - And everytime you will need to watch her, tell me, right ?
E - Can we go see her later in the week ? I want to talk to her, but i can't make a video..
T - Of course kiddo. You need something ?
E - A hug ?

He smiled because Lucy will probably answer the same thing. Like mother, like daughter. He was happy with his decision to show her the video. Even if it was a bit hard for him, her daughter deserved to know her mum. He hugged her deeply. How much he loved her. Ellie asked more question about Lucy. She needed answers. She needed to create memories with her.

Tim when back to his bedroom while Ellie was watching a movie. He put the box away where it belongs for now and looked at the picture on his bedside table. " I'm still in love with you too Luce... Thanks for the video, it was what she needed. ". He joined his daughter on the sofa two minutes after. She put her head on his lap, and he started playing with her hair. Like mother, like daughter.

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28/05/2024 : Hi everyone :) Short one for today. I had this in my head all day. I didn't want it to long. I needed short. What will be Ellie age on the next one ? Please vote and comment, it helps! Take care of you, hope you enjoyed it, thank you :) xx