「 hope, part ii 」 — open, baby

[TOMMY]

Babies, small children... Tommy couldn't say that he was well-acquainted with them. He had younger siblings, yes, but they were all within a relatively similar age-range. He hadn't much experience with them at all. That was one of the main reasons why he never wanted to have any kids, because he would raise them just as shittily as his own step-father did. Tommy knew that he didn't have the time or patience for a child.

Tommy would not move from his spot from around the corner, where it was unlikely to catch a glimpse of him when all of the current focus was on Hayley. He watched with observant eyes, his lips slightly parted as he glued his sight to the small bundle. Maybe he would late run into Hayley and get a chance to congratulate her, but right now, he felt unusually... overwhelmed. Maybe it was the crowd, maybe it was the sight of the newborn herself, maybe it was just everything.

The man looked on quietly for a few more moments before slipping away.