[One week later]
Alex and Emma finally made their way up the familiar path leading to their home, the air crisp and quiet. A soft snow had begun to fall, delicate white flakes swirling down from the gray sky. Alex paused at the foot of the steps, his breath visible in the chilly air, and looked up at their house. It felt both the same and different, as if the walls had seen the storm they'd weathered.
Emma stood beside him, bundled up in his thick coat and hat, his eyes wide as he watched the snowflakes drift down, landing gently on his cheeks and melting away. His stuffed animal peeked out from under his arm, a constant companion in these last few difficult weeks.
"Look, Dad, it's snowing!" Emma said, a small smile tugging at his lips for the first time in days. He held out his hand, catching a flake on his mitten. Alex smiled, watching his son for a moment before looking up at the sky.
"Yeah, buddy, it is. Feels kind of… peaceful, doesn't it?" Emma nodded, though his eyes flickered toward the house.
"It's like everything is new again." With a deep breath, Alex reached for the door, pushing it open and stepping inside. The familiar warmth of home greeted them, but something about it felt different—quieter, more fragile. He set down the bags and turned back to Emma, who was still standing in the doorway, snowflakes catching in his hair.
"Come on in, champ," Alex said softly, holding out his hand. Emma stepped forward, taking his father's hand as he crossed the threshold.
As the door closed behind them, the snow outside continued to fall, coating the ground in a soft, white blanket. Inside, they stood in the entryway for a moment, both of them taking in the warmth and stillness of home. The soft glow of the living room light cast a gentle warmth over them, the world outside muffled by the snow.
As they enter the house, Alex helps Emma settle on the couch with his favorite blanket and stuffed animal. Emma's movements are still careful, his chest tender, but he's just glad to be home. Alex hobbles around, still adjusting to his cast, trying to make the place feel more normal.
"Do you want some hot chocolate, bud?" Alex asks, trying to keep things light. Emma nods, clutching his stuffed animal close, though his eyes seem distant, still processing everything that's happened. Emma smiles brightly.
"Yeah!" Alex walks to the kitchen just as there's a knock at the door. Alex opens it to find Sarah, standing there with a warm smile, holding a bag of groceries and a container of homemade soup.
"Hey, I heard you guys were finally home," Sarah says softly, stepping inside and setting the groceries on the counter. Taking off her several layers of hoodies. Her eyes shift from Alex to Emma, concern flickering in her gaze.
"How are you both doing?" Alex sighs and prepares the hot cocoa.
"We're managing," Alex replies, though his voice carries the weight of exhaustion. He glances over at Emma, who offers a weak smile in Sarah's direction.
After a few moments, Sarah and Alex find themselves sitting silently at the kitchen table, sipping hot cocoa, Emma in the living room drinking cocoa and watching a Christmas movie. There's a comfortable silence before Sarah finally speaks up.
"Alex… how are you holding up, really?" Her voice is soft, but there's an edge of seriousness, like she knows Alex is carrying more than he's letting on. Alex lets out a slow breath, rubbing his temple.
"I'm trying, Sarah. It's just... after everything with the crash, I keep replaying it in my head. What if I had done something differently? What if—" Sarah gently interrupts him.
"You can't blame yourself. You did everything you could, and Emma's okay. That's what matters." Alex's hands tighten around the mug.
"I just—I couldn't protect him. I keep thinking I almost lost him." His voice cracks slightly, and he looks away. Sarah reaches across the table, placing her hand over his.
"Alex, you're an amazing father. Accidents happen, but you've been there for him every step of the way. He needs you to be strong now, not to… carry the guilt." Alex nods slowly, but the weight in his chest doesn't fully lift.
"I just don't know if I'm handling it right. He's still so young, and I can't imagine how scared he must have been." Sarah looks down, placing her hand on the table and picking up her mug.
"Imma go talk to Emma… I'll let you know your thoughts until I come back… think on it, Alex" Alex nods as Sarah leaves the kitchen to the living room.