September 19th
Victoria put her hand on Diego's forehead again.
"He's burning." she whispered. Just then Felipe came in carrying a basin of water and some cloths hanging from his arm.
"Let's take his shirt off so we can put cloths over his chest as well."
Felipe nodded and kept Diego sitting on the bed while Victoria removed his shirt sleeves.
Every so often one of them would remove one of the cloths, wring it out and re-wet it with water from the basin. Don Alejandro entered the room.
"Is he still running a high fever?"
"Yes, although it doesn't seem to be going up anymore."
"The doctor is coming this afternoon, but he told me he's out of willow bark."
Felipe looked up and gestured.
"Do you know where to get more?"
Felipe nodded and headed for the door. Don Alejandro took him by the arm.
"Please be careful." he said. Felipe nodded and went out.
Victoria looked at Don Alejandro with a weak smile.
"I couldn't bear it if something happened to him too."
"Of course, Don Alejandro, sit with Diego for a moment while I go to the kitchen for fresh water."
"Victoria, call me Alejandro. We're real family now, just like I always wanted."
"You always wanted it?"
"I certainly did, but I didn't dare say anything because I thought it was impossible."
"Well, if something that seemed impossible came true, there is still hope." she said looking at Diego.
The doctor arrived when Felipe had already returned and was grinding willow bark in a mortar he had brought from the cave when the others were busy. The doctor recognized the bark and approached the table.
"Where did you get it?"
Felipe gestured and the doctor looked at Don Alejandro.
"It says something about the gully of the stream."
"Maybe later you can give me more details. Now the important thing is to examine Diego."
He approached him and removed the wet cloths to bring his ear close to his chest. Then he pinched his arm to see how his skin reacted.
"The congestion has gone down somewhat, but I'm very concerned about the fever. If it's too high his brain could be damaged, you'll have to take shifts all night to monitor his temperature. He's also slightly dehydrated."
"It's hard to get him to drink water, he's having a hard time swallowing."
For a few moments the doctor was silent taking his pulse.
"It's amazing that he's improved, but he's not out of danger yet, you have to bring his fever down and give him enough fluids. You should give him small sips, remember he should drink at least three glasses a day, even if they have to be given spoonful by spoonful. Remember not to lay him down completely, and if you suspect he may vomit place him on his side."
They incorporated him while Victoria went to the kitchen to return with a glass of water and a spoon, sat down next to him and began the task of giving him small amounts, making sure he could swallow them.