The Last Spartan

[Acalewia]

Alex waited until Rachel put the lamps out before he went into the house again. She thought he slept in the barn most nights, which he did do but not as often as Rachel thought. Most nights he slept in the back room. He shut the door as quietly as he could and listened. Only soft breathing. As he made his way to the back room, he heard Japles start to fuss. He crept upstairs. The trip to town and the excitement of the day had exhausted Rachel. Japles fussed again.
"Shhhh, Little One," Alex said as he picked up the baby. "Shhh," He paced the room. How long had it been since he'd comforted a crying baby. An old tune came to mind. A tune his wife had sung to their children many years ago.

Rachel woke a bit confused. Was she hearing singing? She stood and grabbed her robe and followed the tune. She followed it to Japles room and was surprised to see Alex pacing holding Japles and singing a lullaby. She had never seen him so gentle Alex turned, Japles fast asleep, and saw Rachel standing there. He looked surprised to see her.
"I didn't want to wake you," Rachel crossed the room as Alex placed the sleeping child back into his crib.
"Thank you," He smiled for the first time, then left the room.