"No… Theodore! Please wake up, buddy. We need you."

Alvin tapped his brother's face, hoping this might incite some response. Seeing that the taps were getting him nowhere, Alvin kneeled down and rested his head on Theodore's chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Alvin, I'm.. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault Dave. How will Simon and I go on without him? How can we live knowing our brother is dead?"

"We'll find a way. I'll be getting things ready outside if you need me. If Simon wakes up, do tell him."

When Dave left the room, Alvin gave Theodore a small kiss and returned to lying next to his brother. With tears still fresh in his eyes, Alvin began to hum quietly to himself while still holding onto Theodore's hand.

"Only youuu…..can make this world…seem right. Only youuu… can make the darkness bright…"

Alvin closed his eyes and pressed himself tight against Theodore, muffling his voice in the process. After a few seconds he managed to compose himself enough to turn away and face Simon. To his surprise, he saw Simon's legs twitch and heard a soft groan being emitted from within.

"Simon? Wake up. I have bad news."

"Alvin? Are we dead?"

"No. Only Theodore is."

"Theo? Oh my god… not poor little Theodore. Not him."

"Yes, I'm afraid he is not here anymore…Unless a miracle happens really soon."

"Let me get over there, Alvin."

Simon tried to move but pain shot through his body as he moved his legs. Ignoring it all, Simon limped from his bed over to Theodore and sat down. Simon cried as he hugged his brother, causing him to do the same.

"I think it's time that we join Dave outside. There's nothing more we can do here."

Helping his brother, Alvin walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Alvin looked back one last time toward the room containing his brother and watched as the doctor walked in carrying a small black bag.

"Simon! You're awake. What are you doing out here?"

"I had to go, Dave. I can't explain why, but I just had to."

"I understand. Simon, let's get you home and into bed. You need the rest."

Dave helped Simon into the front seat of the car, while Alvin hopped in and made Simon as comfortable as possible for the ride home. As much as he did not want to, Dave pulled away from the hospital as Alvin looked back again, knowing his brother was still inside.

"I miss him already, Dave."

"As do I. I'm going to call the news station when we get home and let them know about what has happened. I already canceled the remaining stops on the tour as well."

"Thank you, Dave. However, I don't think we are ready to go on camera yet."

Dave shook his head and continued driving. Alvin looked over at Simon and started to sob again. He looked around expecting to see Theodore but in reality knew that he would not see his brother anywhere inside the car. Everyone remained silent the remainder of the trip home, not wanting to upset anyone else.

"Well, here we are boys. Less than a day without him and already the house seems less warming and inviting. Oh hey… we got a message."

"I'll be in my bed if you need me, Dave. Simon? What about you?"

"Reading a book. It really seems to calm me when I'm sad."

Dave walked over to the answering machine and pressed the play button.

'One new message. Received at seven fifty eight p.m.:'

Dave was shocked at what he heard next: the voice of Theodore's doctor.

'Mister Seville, I must ask you to return to the hospital as soon as possible and bring your boys. I'll explain more upon your arrival.'

"Dave? What's wrong?"

"I don't know. Maybe something is still wrong with you Simon. Guys, you go and change your clothes. I'll get some things around and get ready to go again."

"Whatever this news is, I hope it's good. I can't take any more bad news today."

"Neither can I, Simon. Now let's go get changed."

Alvin helped his brother into the bedroom and went to grab a new shirt. Simon pointed at Theodore's bed and asked Alvin to grab one of his shirts instead.

"Simon, his clothes won't fit you."

"I don't care. I'm wearing it to remember my brother by."

"All right. We better get back out to Dave. I'm sure he's ready to go by now."

Alvin held onto Simon's hand and led him back outside where Dave was waiting for them. He helped the chipmunks back into the car.

"Dave, what do you think the doctor is going to tell us, and be honest."

"I think Simon has something seriously wrong. I could be wrong but you three did spend serious time out in the cold. Simon, how do your legs feel?"

"Really sore. Nothing broken, but my right leg is killing me."

"I see. Let's hope the doctor can fix it up like new for you. Now sit back and relax. We'll be at the hospital before you know it."

Dave sat back in his seat and concentrated on the road. From time to time he would look over at Alvin and Simon, but still maintained focus on driving. Feeling tired, Simon leaned against Alvin and dozed off. Not wanting to wake him, Alvin sat still for the remainder of the trip to the hospital.

"Come on, guys. I'll carry you in if you want."

At first Simon refused but a quick talk with Alvin convinced him to accept Dave's offer. He walked a few feet down the long hall and took a left, heading back toward the office that they had just left.

"Ah! Welcome back, mister Seville. Have a seat. I have news for you three."

"What is it, doc? Is something wrong with me?"

"Yes, but that is not why I asked you here. Simon, you have some damage to your right leg from the cold, but nothing that will prevent you from performing in the future. Now for the reason why I asked you all back here so soon. If you would please follow me, I'll show you what I am talking about."

Dave picked up the chipmunk duo and followed the doctor out of the office and into a private recovery room with two beds. The curtain on one bed was wide open while the other was closed. Behind the curtain Dave Simon and Alvin could hear a machine beeping.

"Please be quiet. He needs his rest."

The doctor pulled back the curtain, revealing what it was hiding. The machine making the noise was a heart rate monitor. Dave lowered them onto the end of the bed and allowed them to creep closer toward the front.

"Is that who I think it is, Alvin?" Simon inquired.

"Yes it is. It's Theodore."