As nightfall began to find its way to the city, Simon's condition didn't get any better. His temperature had went up 103 during the past several hours. Clearly, the cold towel wasn't helping. His breathing was still very irregular.
Alvin and Theodore had fallen asleep in a recliner that was next to Simon's bed. Dave was looking out into the sunset, trying to hold back the tears that welled up in his eyes. One managed to slip. Simon shouldn't be here. Simon should be at science club or something.
"Hello?" said a soft voice.
Dave turned around. A young nurse walked into the room. She looked to be in her mid-twenties and had brown hair. Her name was Hollie.
"Please tell me my son's going to live" Dave said to her.
"I'm sorry Mr. Seville, but we don't know for sure" said Hollie.
Where has Dave heard that before?
"As soon as we find out the results, we'll let you know" Hollie said.
Dave sure hoped they found out what was wrong soon. If Simon didn't make it, they boys' singing career would be over.
Within the next few hours, the sky was dark. The moon shone it's light down on the city. Tree leaves danced in a gentle breeze.
It was about time for Dave, Alvin, and Theodore to head home. Dave carefully shook his two sons to wake them up. Theodore woke up right away. But Alvin was a heavy sleeper and didn't wake up as quickly.
Dave figured that he should just let Alvin sleep, so as carefully as he could, he gathered Alvin in his arms. Alvin stirred, but didn't wake.
Before leaving the room, Dave took one last look at Simon. Would he make it through the night in his condition?
"Come on guys. Let's get you home" Dave whispered to his two sons. He had to hold Theodore's hand because it seemed like the child was sleepwalking again.
Once at home, Dave helped Alvin and Theodore into their pajamas and tucked them into bed. Then he turned off the light and quietly left the room.
As Dave lied in his own bed, he looked up at the ceiling. He couldn't sleep. Simon was on his mind. For some reason, he felt guilty. He felt he should have called the doctor as soon as he saw Simon sweating.
There was a small knock on Dave's bedroom door. Dave climbed out of bed and opened the door. Alvin was standing on the other side.
"Alvin, what are you doing out of bed?" Dave asked gently.
Alvin just stared up at him.
"I take it you're thinking about Simon too, huh?" Dave said, his voice still gentle.
Alvin nodded.
Dave picked Alvin up and held him close. "Don't you worry, Alvin. As long as we keep thinking positive, Simon will be just fine" he said softly.
Alvin buried his face into Dave's shoulder. Dave could feel the child's tears soaking through his pajama sleeve and onto his shoulder. He felt like crying himself, but he managed to hold back his tears this time.
"Come on, Alvin. Let's get you back in bed" Dave said softly.
Dave quietly entered the boys' room. As carefully as he could he placed Alvin, who had finally fallen back asleep, back in bed and pulled the covers over him. Then he placed a gentle kiss on the child's forehead and gently brushed his hair back.
Alvin stirred but didn't wake.
Dave quietly left the room and went to bed himself.
The next morning, after Alvin and Theodore left for school, Dave got ready to go visit Simon again. But first, he figured that maybe he should call his boss Roger first and tell him what was going on.
Dave picked up the phone and dialed the number to Roger's office.
"Roger? It's me, Dave" Dave said.
"Is everything OK?" asked Roger.
"Actually, no. Simon ended up in the hospital yesterday. I'm getting ready to go see him now and I thought I'd let you know" said Dave.
"Is he alright?" Roger asked.
"Not really. He has a fever and he's having a little bit of trouble pulling through" said Dave.
Roger thought for a minute. "Dave, why don't you take the day off?" he said.
"Really? You don't mind?" Dave said.
"Of course not. Simon needs you right now" said Roger.
"Thanks, Roger" Dave replied. Then he hung up.
Dave pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and made his way inside. Once inside, he walked up to the front desk.
"May I help you?" the receptionist asked.
"I'm here to see my son, Simon Seville" said Dave.
The receptionist looked through some folders until she finally found Simon's files.
"He's on the second floor. Go all the way back and take a left" said the receptionist.
"Thank you" Dave replied.
Dave poked his head into Simon's room. Hollie was inside treating Simon, who didn't look any better.
Hollie finished treating Simon and gently brushed his hair back. There was no movement.
Hollie noticed Dave as she began to leave the room.
"How is he?" Dave asked.
"Hanging in there, but I'm afraid his temperature has gone up" said Hollie.
"To what?" Dave asked.
"103. We'll see how he holds out" said Hollie. Then she disappeared down the hall, on her way to treat other children that needed her care.
Dave sighed and looked at Simon. He looked so still, so lifeless.
Dave quietly entered the room and took a seat on Simon's bed. He gently grabbed Simon's sweaty hand. He wanted feel a squeeze, but Simon didn't move. He didn't stir. His eyes would not flutter. He just lied there with medicine going through his IV.
"Simon, be strong. Do it for me and your brothers. We're all rooting for you. You've got to hold out" Dave said softly.
The only sounds that filled the room was Simon's irregular breathing, the beeping of the heart monitor, and the gas that was helping Simon breathe.
