Spoonful of Sugar
There has to be an easier way around this. Jack thought, glancing at a patient file, a frown coming to his face.
Treating children was never easy. Especially in this particular case.
Can't get her to calm down before her medication… Reminds me so much of when William was little.
William… Hm…
He got up grabbing his coat.
"Someone lock up for me, I'm running an errand!" He called over his shoulder as he left his office, checking his watch. If he hurried, he might catch his brother before his next show.
They might hide and try to run when they see my face but William's good with kids. He's always been.
Jack made his way to the area the circus was located in, looking around. It was busy as usual for the time of year but he hoped William could be borrowed for a couple of hours.
He almost walked by him, doubling back.
William and Wes were surrounded by a group of children, the two making balloon animals.
"Alright, let's see… Who wants this one?"
"Oh me, me!"
William gave a wave of his hand, making the balloon animal in his hand disappear before reappearing in the child's hand, eliciting gasps and looks of wonder from the others.
"You're going to upstage me." Wes signed with a mock pout.
William gave a bow.
"The stage is yours my friend. I"ll be along later for my show, need to rest a bit." He gave a wave to the children as he walked off.
"Will!"
The man jumped a bit, whirling around to see Jack.
"Give me a heart attack why don't you!" He chuckled, giving a sheepish grin.
"Eheh sorry." Jack gave a sheepish look of his own, falling into step beside William. "Busy day I take it?"
"Sort of. Mostly just those kids today. Wes and I were keeping them busy so they didn't go wandering off while their parents were gone. They came right over after school got out."
"Ah, I see."
"Mm-hm… Something up?" William asked as they walked into his tent, the magician going to Judy's little sleeping area. The rabbit perked up, hopping into his arms as soon as he saw her.
"I'll go right out and say it, I need help with a patient."
William gave him a bewildered look, pointing to himself.
"Eh!? ME?!" He shook his head. "You… Are you serious?"
"I am. I know you're not a doctor but… Laughter's the best medicine sometimes." Jack sighed. "I'm treating this young girl, about five years old. She's terrified of needles and is not a big fan of me due to it."
William frowned, a sympathetic look coming to his eyes. He remembered what that was like.
"Oh poor dear… Well… How can I help?"
"I just need you to keep her busy and cheer her up. See if you can get her to relax a little."
"I can try."
oooooo
The girl sighed, ducking under her blankets, hugging a doll to her chest. She knew what was coming and was doing all she could to hide from it.
I just wanna go home. She sniffed a little. No more shots.
She heard someone knocking on the door.
"W-Who is it?"
"A visitor. May I come in please?"
She peered out from under the blanket.
"Y-Yes."
The door opened as William stepped inside, a gentle smile on his face.
"You must be June, yes?"
"A-Ahuh… Are you a doctor?" She gave him a pout, a nervous look coming to her eyes.
"No, no, just a magician." William sat on the edge of her bed. "Heard you could use a bit of cheering up and thought I could help that."
June leaned back, tilting her head. William looked her over before reaching behind her ear, pulling a coin out into his hand.
"Now what is this? How'd this get there?"
She giggled a little, feeling behind her ear.
"Neat!"
William chuckled, offering it to her as she moved to take it, only for him to make it vanish as soon as it touched her palm. He gave a bewildered look.
"Where did it go?"
She laughed, giving a shrug.
"I dunno!"
"Let's try to bring it back. Can you throw it to me?"
June made a motion as if she was throwing it as William's arm moved up as the coin appeared in his hand. She clapped as he made another motion, two coins now in his hands.
"Wow… Magic!"
"The best kind. Now… can you hold onto these for me?" He asked as she held out her hands. Once more they vanished as she squealed, a bright smile coming to her face.
"Where'd they go?"
"It's a mystery." He gave a playful look before giving a wave of his hand as they appeared once more, this time letting her take them.
She looked them over trying to figure out just how he did it before giving him a grin.
"Thanks, mister."
"Anytime,little miss."
Jack walked in giving them both a nod.
"Having fun you two?"
"Ahuh!"
William pulled out a deck of cards, offering a handful to her.
"Wanna play another game?"
"Sure!"
"You two keep doing that while I take care of something."
William looked out the corner of his eye, seeing Jack had a syringe hidden in his hand. He nodded.
"Pick a card, any card."
June hummed for a moment before picking a card, nodding to herself.
"Now, place it back in the deck."
She did so, not even minding when Jack took her free arm.
William made a show of shuffling his cards before pulling one out.
"Is… This your card?"
"Yes!" She giggled. "The Queen of Hearts!"
"And done." Jack said covering the area with a bandage. June looked at him bewildered before looking at her arm.
"That didn't hurt. How'd you do that?"
"A little bit of magic can help the medicine go down." Jack chuckled, giving his brother a grateful look.
June pouted a little.
"Mr. Magic has to go 'way?"
WIlliam ruffled her hair.
"Well, if it's alright with Jack, I'd love to come back and perform again. Maybe put on a show for the whole ward. How does that sound?"
"Yes please!"
William smiled getting up giving a sweeping bow.
"Ask and you shall receive."