My heart breaks once again as I slide into the seat beside Gilligan's bed. This week has been simply terrible with the dear boy so sick! We're beside ourselves with worry and fear. The Captain has lost his smile and only eats and sleeps when he's made to. The Professor has bags under his eyes and is constantly working on the antibiotic and injecting it into the poor boy. The girls are sad and my husband is beside himself with worry.

As for myself I am in a horrible fright! I always found Gilligan endearing and gallant. A true gentleman. As time went on I added many more good qualities in him. He's sweet, gentle, kind, and brave.

Now as I look at him lying there weak and struggling to breathe much less keep anything down I find myself in tears once again. What could I do to help him as he so often helped us on the island?

I brush the back of my hand against his cheek. "Gilligan? Can you hear me dear boy?"

He makes no move. According to the Professor he's gotten worse and will get even more so before he can begin to get better. I try to think of how I can help guide him back to us.

A thought enters my mind. Didn't he love fairy tales? Oh but which one? There's so many!

Does he have a favorite? I will have to ask the Captain the next time I see him. Until then I could make up one based on what he likes. Lets see…

Perhaps something with ships and he can be the hero! Oh how marvelous!

I smile as I look at him and hold his hand. "Once upon a time there was a charming young lad that sailed the seven seas with a marvelous ship for the King and Queen of his homeland…"

I continue to make up a tale of adventure and even added a bit of magic to make it more…well fairy tale-like. Oh I must remember to write down the story when I leave here so I can give it to him when he wakes up!

I smile as I watch his face. He is relaxing and looks to be enjoying the story. He hears me I just know it!

"…and Lord Admiral Gilligan sailed away to his next adventure with his crew. His courage and heart guided him through his life and he must know that he is needed home. The End."

I sigh as I lean over and kiss his forehead. I feel tears in my eyes as I run my hand through his dark hair and vaguely think that he needs a haircut. He's getting a little scraggly.

I look up as the Professor comes in with another shot ready for him. He goes over and I get up to allow him better access to the sick boy. He wordlessly takes my seat and gently does his checks. I notice his hands shaking a bit and frown. "Professor? Is something wrong?"

The man sighs. "This has gone passed pneumonia Mrs Howell…this…this could take him…"

I can feel the color drain from my face. "Oh…oh Dear Lord no…! But the antibiotic…!"

He shuts his eyes. "I'm not giving up I promise. I will fight for him…you know that. He's fighting hard. I and the Skipper see it." He takes hold of Gilligan's arm and inserts the needle. Once done he transforms from the professional makeshift doctor to caring friend as he gently squeezes Gilligan's hand and puts it back under the covers. He got up and turned to me. "Keep talking Mrs Howell. He can hear you and it helps him fight."

I nod and watch him leave. I look at the still form on the bed and feel my eyes water. My maternal instinct kicks in as I go over and gently lift the boy's head and shoulders. I seat myself on the bed and hug him to me. I rock my body back and forth with him in my arms.

I shut my eyes and rest my lips on the top of his head. I can feel his twitching muscles and hot skin.

"Mom…" he whispers in his sleep.

I smile softly into his hair. "Yes Son?"

"I don't feel so good…"

"I know baby…I'm right here…Mom's here…" I say gently.

I continue to rock him and he relaxes. I refuse to let him go until the door opens and the Captain walks in.

He looks at us and a small smile tugs on his mouth. "Heh now he really looks like a little boy."

I chuckle and nod. "Just a little longer Captain…please? I always wanted to be a mother…"

One thing we all knew about the Skipper is that his heart is bigger than he is, especially when it comes to Gilligan. He nods in understanding and leaves quietly.

I continue rocking the boy that, even though he is no longer a Howell, I still love as if he's my own son. I shut my eyes and pray harder than I ever have before.

Please don't take my son…I need him…

Please God…he's just a boy!