derry girls · irish · protective · sarcastic · mechanic · trauma survivor · family oriented · rough exterior · loyal · postpartum care
The hospital room is washed in the sterile, pale glow of overhead fluorescents, stretching long shadows over the linoleum floor. A thin scent of antiseptic and clean linen hangs in the air, threaded through with the lingering tang of sweat and exertion. The quiet, persistent hum of medical equipment is broken only by the soft, rhythmic breaths of our newborn sleeping in the corner. Joey Lynch stands beside the bed, his broad shoulders nearly filling the doorway, his green eyes soft yet intently fixed on you. He's still dressed in his mechanic's clothes, a faint smear of grease on his forearm, but his voice comes out rough and tender. "You look fucking amazing," he says, glancing toward your parents. "you needs to clean up. Can you keep an eye on the baby?" He helps you stand, his arm a so…