He would be able to feel her pulse against his forehead as she turned to kiss his head, steadying herself. It was quick and fluttery and she took a deep breath. “We’re really close. I know we are.”
She paused before sticking her hand out with a frown. It disappeared and she breathed a sigh of relief. “Here, baby. Here. We’re here.”
They got through, and their team looked at them with wide eyes. Poppy looked up at them and no one spoke for a moment. When Poppy did speak, Francis would recognize that it was sharper than he had ever heard it. “What are you doing? Help me!” They rushed forward to pick him up gently and Poppy went weak slightly as the weight was lifted off her. They followed her to the medical tent and she ordered them to set Francis down gently on one of the tables.
Poppy moved around him, fetching various supplies. “*squee!*. Your bandage bled through,” she muttered, glancing down at him. “You’re okay, baby. Just take deep breaths, okay?”
She stuck an IV in his arm and began to work on cleaning the wound. “Francis, tell me all about yourself. Everything.”
