Nemo hurried to Marlin when his class had returned from their field trip. He hugged Marlin and looked around, asking for Dory.

"She's out with Destiny today. Come on, let's get home."

They got into the car and drove home. Nemo kept talking of his trip to the aquarium and how Sheldon kept sneezing when they were near the small pools of water. It was almost six o'clock, so it had gotten a bit dark.

"I need to buy something really quick at the drug store, okay? I'll only be a minute," Marlin said as he parked.

Nemo nodded as he took out a stuffed shark from his backpack. Marlin entered the drug store and scanned the aisles.

Finally, he found what he was looking for. Neon colored sticky notes. He thought Dory could use them to help her make small notes to help her memory. Marlin stepped behind a woman who was buying some nachos at the register.

He took out his wallet and eyed a bunch of flowers that were being sold for less than ten dollars. His mind jumbled when he heard the woman in front of him gasp and point outside.

Marlin turned his head and his heart stopped when he saw a man trying to pull Nemo out through the window. Nemo was screaming and holding onto his seatbelt.

"Jesus," Marlin mumbled as he rushed towards the door.

He heard the woman cry, "Call the police!"

Marlin ran through the door and shouted, "Nemo!"

The man was wearing a black mask and a white t-shirt underneath his black sweater. Without thinking, Marlin tackled the man down, allowing Nemo to crawl back into the car. The man was younger than Marlin, he assumed, because of how fast he was thrashing.

He punched Marlin in the jaw causing him to stumble down onto his side. The man then wrapped his arms around Marlin's neck and choked him.

Nemo kept screaming, "Dad! Daddy!"

Marlin, through a raspy voice, said, "Stay inside!"

When he started feeling lightheaded, Marlin knew this was it. He slowly closed his eyes and his grip on the man's arms loosened.

Police sirens were heard and Marlin felt the man's grip loosen ad he let him go. The man hurried away, leaving Marlin gasping for breath as he lay on his side.

He put a hand to his sore neck and coughed several times. The woman from inside ran out and Nemo hurried out of the car. He was crying as he knelt down by his father. The woman had a phone to her ear as she put a hand on Marlin's shoulder.

"Sir, stay with me. Breathe and look at your son! You understand? Help is coming. You're okay!"

Marlin responded by holding Nemo's hand. His breathing was getting heavier and Nemo immediately knew what was happening. "Daddy! Just calm down. Breathe, okay? Just breathe."

He rubbed Marlin's knuckles and tried to stop crying. The woman told him to give Marlin some space and air, but Nemo knew. Marlin was having a panic attack.

An ambulance arrived and rookNarlin away with Nemo at his side. Marlin eventually went unconscious and Nemo thought it was best to call Charlie.

Charlie and Jenny came with Dory and Destiny to see Marlin at the hospital. A dark haired nurse told them Marlin would be out for some time and his only major injury was a small sprain in his jaw.

Dory hugged Nemo who only suffered a bruise in his head from when the man first tried yanked him through the window. Destiny sat by Marlin and eyed Dory.

"You think he can hear us?"

Dory looked at Nemo and shrugged. "I don't know. I don't think he can."

Nemo put his hand on Marlin's and smiled a bit. "You're okay, Dad."

Jenny put a hand on Nemo's shoulder and smiled. "You're so brave, Nemo. I wish I could be as brave as you."

"This used to happen a lot when I was little, so I'm used to it."

Charlie grimaced. "Used to what?"

"He used to have panic attacks when I was little. It's weird but, ever since he and Dory found me, he hasn't had one."

Jenny gave a small gasp and held Charlie's hand. "Oh, honey, didn't he see a doctor?"

Nemo paused and gave the so-so sign with his hand. "Maybe twice. He said he was okay and didn't want to go back."

"Maybe he should give it a try one of these days," Charlie commented.

"I thought hospital rooms were small. This room is huge!"

They all turned and Destiny smiled wide as Bailey walked in the room, adjusting his glasses. "How's the patient?"

"He's not awake right now. His breathing took a turn when he was attacked," Destiny replied.

Bailey hugged Destiny tightly. They had been close friends ever since they went to medical school together. He gave Nemo a high five and glanced at Marlin.

"We're here for you, bud. So, who's taking care of Nemo?"

Dory spoke up. "Oh, Crush said he'd pick him up soon. He lives close to Marlin."

Bailey raised his eyebrows and nodded. Jenny rested her head on Charlie's shoulder and gave a small yawn.

"I better take the ladies home," Charlie smiled as he put his around Jenny.

Dory patted Nemo on his back. "I'll try to visit tomorrow."

"Okay! Hopefully Dad will be awake."

Bailey looked at Destiny. "Mind giving me a lift? I took the bus here."

She smiled and nodded. "Come on."

Suddenly, they all paused when they heard a mumble. "...ry..."

Nemo gasped and rushed to Marlin's side. "Dad? Can you hear me?"

Jenny gasped and put a hand on Dory's arm. Destiny held Bailey's wrist as Marlin stirred. "...D...Dory.."

All eyes were on Dory as she blinked. Nemo took her hand and placed it over Marlin's. Charlie pulled her back in a flash.

Destiny grimaced. "Hey, what gives?"

"Charlie!" Jenny scolded.

Charlie put his hands up. "He might panic again. You never know."

Marlin's eyes slowly opened as Nemo's face became more clearer. "Nemo..?"

He nodded and smiled. "Yeah, Dad! You're awake!"

Bailey raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Well, what do you know?"

Dory and Jenny clapped their hands and squealed. Destiny giggled and held Bailey's hand tightly. Nemo laughed and climbed onto the bed to hug Marlin.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Dad, now that you're awake. Just keep relaxing and you'll be out in no time!"

Destiny have Bailey a small shove. "Go get the nurse! Quick!"

Dory smiled and Marlin saw those freckles again. She went to his side and patted his arm. "Feeling better, Carlin?"

"Marlin," they all said.

"My jaw and neck hurt like crazy. Did they catch the guy?"

Nemo shook his head and fiddled with the blanket. "Nope."

Charlie stepped up and said, "We're just glad you're awake, son."

Bailey returned with the burse as he adjusted his glasses. "Okay, folks, time to head out. Give the man some air."

Nemo gave a small wave to everyone as they all left. Charlie and Jenny left with Dory as Marlin thanked them for everything.

Bailey and Destiny left soon after, leaving Marlin and Nemo alone.