Author's notes: Thanks to STJ for sharing your thoughts and to everyone taking the time to read it.
As Nick puts his car in to park after pulling into a hospital parking bay, his phone starts to ring. Looking at the display he sees that it's his father.
"Hi Dad. "
" Hi Nick, how's your day? "
" Busy, and won't be over for a long time. Is everything okay? "
" I was just calling to see if you wanted to meet for dinner. I don't feel like cooking. "
"As Burton's speaking Nick can hear the tiredness in his father's voice. A knot of worry furrows his brow, as it's still quite early.
" Are you okay Dad. you sound tired. '
' I am a bit. I think I'm coming down with a cold, or something. Nothing to worry about."
Nick looks at his watch and thinks of the work still waiting for him at the office. He makes up his mind.
"Look Dad, no matter what I have going on, I need to eat. I'm just popping in to the hospital to see a client and then I'll pick us up some take away. Is Chinese all right? "
" There's no need son, you're busy. I can order something myself. "
" I'll be there. I've got to go. "
Nick closes his phone before his Dad has the chance to object. Worry sweeps over him again and he hopes there's nothing wrong.
He enters Hannah's room to find her awake. She turns towards the door as it opens.
" Hi Hannah, do you remember me.? "
She nods her head and Nick walks closer to the bed.
"I met your friend, Debra, and we had a lovely chat. She said to say hi. I also stopped by your house after our chat because I thought there might be someone who's missing you."
Nick brings his arm out from behind his back.
"I'm hoping this is Dawn."
The girl breaks into a beautiful smile and she sits up. She reaches out her hands and Nick gives her the doll. She hugs it tightly to her and tears glisten on her cheeks.
"Thank you, Mr. "
" Call me Nick and you're welcome."
She lays the doll on the bed and strokes it's face.
"I'll let the two of you get re-acquainted and I will see you in the morning and we'll talk about where you're going to go. '
He heads for the door but turns around as he remembers something.
' Do you know the name of your Aunt who lives far away? "
" Aunt Jo-Anne?
"Probably. Have you ever met her? "
Hannah shakes her head. Nick gives a small smile.
" Thank you. Good night, I hope you sleep well.
Nick puts the takeout bags on the kitchen counter and reaches up to take a couple of bowls out of a cupboard. His dad walks into the kitchen. Nick can see the tiredness in his dad.
"It looks like you should be in bed."
Burton shuffles towards the counter.
"I will, straight after dinner. Whatever it is, it's taking it out of me."
"Do you have a fever?"
Burton shakes his head but Nick spots sweat glistening on his forehead. He places his hand against it.
"Dad you're burning up."
Burton waves him off dismissively.
"It's nothing son."
He grabs his bowl and fills it with food and sits down at the table. Nick does the same and brings two bottles of water from the fridge. He places one in front of his father and opens the other, taking in a long drink. Nick notices as he tucks in to his food that Burton's barely touching his. He's suddenly aware of Burton moving and when he looks over he's just in time to catch him before he falls to the floor. Nick lowers him steadily. He tries talking to him but he's not getting a useful response, he takes out his phone and calls nine, one, one.
He's allowed in the ambulance and spends the ride holding his Dad's hand which is radiating the heat in his body. Burton's hooked up to an i.v. and although his eyes are open, they look almost vacant and when he speaks he's not making a lot of sense. The ride to the hospital seems to last an eternity. Nick can only watch as they wheel his Dad away from him and into an examining room. Nick sits down preparing to wait. His mind thinks back to the work still on his desk and lets out a sigh. Nick is staring at the floor, his hands clasped together, his elbows resting on his knees, when a nurse touches his shoulder. He looks up with a start.
"You can go in now."
He looks at the nurse his face showing his concern.
"How is he?"
"He's doing well. Come see."
Nick stands up and follows the nurse through the double doors. He's led to a cubicle and he moves the curtain back to reveal his father laying on the bed, his eyes closed. He opens them as Nick moves to the bed.
"Hi Son."
"How are you feeling Dad?"
"Better...less dizzy."
"Good."
They both look towards the curtain as a doctor comes in.
"Well Mr. Fallin. You have the flu. You're temperature was at a hundred and four when you were brought in. We've given you some paracetamol and loosened your clothing and that should cool you off. I'm going to admit you overnight for observation, if you fever is down in the morning, you'll be able to go home, where you need to rest. Any question?"
"So he's okay besides the flu?"
"Yes, he's in pretty good health otherwise, it would be to his advantage if he stopped smoking. A nurse will be in shortly to get you ready to move upstairs."
"Thank you doctor."
Burton also acknowledges his thanks. As the doctor leaves, Nick blows out his cheeks in relief. Burton's watching him and is touched.
"Thank you Son for being there tonight, for bringing me here."
Nick shrugs.
"It was nothing Dad."
Nick hangs around until Burton's settled in to his room. It's passed visiting hours and Nick can see that Burton's eyes are heavy so he prepares to leave.
"I'll come by in the morning, just call if you need anything. Get some rest."
"I will Son and thanks again."
Nick turns and gives him a small smile and leaves a hospital for the second time that night.