"Oh no," Andros breathed anxiously as an unconscious Zhane appeared before him. "Are you dead?"
Zhane remained unmoving and the wind howled mercilessly, making Andros wonder if he would be condemned to sit on a hard surface in darkness forever, "Prince Andros, why do you weep?" a deep, yet feminine voice called out through the darkness. "Zhane is not dead, nor are you alone in this place."
Suddenly, rays of sunlight broke through the darkness and Andros immediately saw that he was overlooking a large valley of jungle, water, and structures resembling ruins. A hand suddenly came down on his shoulder and Andros turned to see a tall figure in a ragged cloak standing over him and Zhane.
"Please, where are we?" Andros asked in a terrified voice. "It's very cold and I'm very scared for Zhane."
The figure nodded and lifted its hood, revealing Dulcea, "Zhane is your advisor, Prince Andros," Dulcea spoke in a calming voice. "I know how much you care for him, but his recovery will take time and help."
"What must I do?" Andros asked in an anxious voice. "If I could, I would offer myself to die…"
Dulcea sighed, "Brave as you are, Andros, you will not be the one to save him," she replied. "The one who will save Zhane is on Earth and has suffered his own trials, but has a hidden power of hope…"
"Who is this one?" Andros asked in a quiet voice. "How can he be of help to Zhane from Earth?"
Dulcea smiled, waved her staff, and Andros immediately found himself in a warm room with a fire lit while Zhane lay in a comfortable bed, unconscious but alive. At the other end of the large room were six beds and a large table with six Morphers on it. There was also another bed and a table containing food, books, and large goblets. Andros looked mystified at everything in the room, but felt extremely safe.
"You will be safe here until the time is right," Dulcea explained in a gentle voice. "I must leave now."
Andros's eyes widened as Dulcea tapped the ground with her staff and suddenly vanished.
Soft beeping was the only sound coming from the operating room where Laura lay on the table with a gown and blanket over her thin, injured body. She hadn't been put under yet and since the nurses and other doctor were scrubbing, Dr. Cranston, who was in scrubs, was her only company at the moment.
"Can I ask you a question?" Laura asked in a tired voice. "How are you keeping busy without…?"
Dr. Cranston smiled, "Billy?" he replied in a gentle voice. "I have good days and I have hard days, but…"
There was suddenly a loud crash and a shadowy figure suddenly entered the operating room, "Do not cut her open," a deep voice spoke in an ethereal tone. "This young lady has a wonderful future that will more than make up for her horrific past. I will have a task for her to carry out when she is older."
"Who are you?" Laura asked in a groggy voice as the footsteps neared her. "Please don't hurt me."
The figure sighed, "I do not come to hurt you, child," he spoke softly. "You and your sister have already been hurt enough, as have many of your friends. I have come to heal your physical injuries."
"I believe Laura asked you a question, sir," Dr. Cranston asked, nervous about the figure's appearance.
Placing his hand on Laura's abdomen, the figure looked at Dr. Cranston, "I understand you are sorrowing greatly over your lost son, but do not fear," he stated softly. "I am Leanbow, a Mystic Healer and King."
"Why are you healing me?" Laura asked in a tired voice as she suddenly began to feel very tired.
Leanbow smiled patiently as Laura fell into a deep slumber, "You will know that in time, my dear," he replied in a soothing voice, giving Dr. Cranston a look. "Do not mourn; for your lost son is well."
Dr. Cranston's eyes widened, but he suddenly felt tired and found himself drifting off to sleep.
Leanbow's eyes narrowed as he felt Laura's thoughts drifting to her friends and he smiled, making a mental note to find and gather those whom he could to be there for Laura when she finally woke.
The sound of footsteps filled Mark's ears and he immediately turned towards the sound and lowered his hands so that he wouldn't accidentally hurt anyone with his katas, "Mark," a voice suddenly said.
"Who's there?" Mark called out, wondering if anyone had followed him into the school courtyard and was playing a prank on him since he couldn't see. "Look, whoever you are; please tell me."
There was silence and Mark suddenly felt a small breeze, "Do you remember how you were blinded?" a menacing voice asked as Zedd suddenly appeared in a blaze of fog. "Do you remember who you are?"
"Mark, are you all right?" Mark suddenly heard Jason ask in a concerned voice. "Mark?"
Jason frowned when Mark didn't respond, "Mark?" he asked softly. "Are you all right?"
Swallowing hard, Mark nodded, "I'm fine," he replied softly. "I was just practicing some katas…"
"Kat's looking for you," Jason said in a gentle voice. "She says that you have martial arts today."
Mark nodded and Jason offered his arm, "Kat's got your cane," Jason explained. "Take my arm."
The walk back into the school and down the hallway was quiet because school had just ended, but Jason caught a glimpse of Bulk pushing a janitor's cart into a classroom, but didn't say anything to him. It didn't take long for them to get to the foyer where Adam was talking with Katherine and Tanya.
"Hi Kat," Mark said in a pleasant voice, smiling at Mark. "Jason, Rocky went back to the hospital and Doctor Oliver also took Laura there earlier; we're just talking about what we can do for them both."
Jason frowned, but nodded, "Where are Malcolm and Tommy?" he asked. "Maybe they could…?"
"Nobody knows," Tanya replied in a worried voice. "We might have to go to the hospital without them."
Katherine quickly handed the cane to Mark, "Mark, do you mind if I don't stay for your class today?" she asked in a quiet voice. "I'd like to go with Tanya, Adam, and Jason to see how Rocky and Laura are."
Mark shrugged, "I don't mind," he replied in a cheerful voice. "You should be there for your friends."
"Kim?" Skull asked in a tired voice as he came down the hallway of the hospital and saw a distraught looking Kimberly standing there in a clean gown with one hand on an IV pole. "You should be resting."
Kimberly was silent for a moment and then looked up at Skull, "I was watching the news and it said that the Power Rangers saved Laura and I," she said in a tired voice. "I can't remember what happened…"
"I was at my house watching TV until I fell asleep and I saw that you had been put under a spell by that Zedd guy," Skull replied in a tired voice. "It brought back some memories that I had tried to forget."
Kim nodded as her knees suddenly buckled, "Let's sit," Skull said in a gentle voice as he put an arm around her waist, guided her over to a couch, and helped her sit down. "Does that feel better?"
"Thank you," Kimberly replied in a relieved voice as she looked at him. "What memories?"
Skull sighed, "I remember being forced to do some bad things and being called a Dark Ranger by Zedd," he said in a somber voice as he pulled away from Kimberly. "I've just felt so uncomfortable with myself ever since I was a prisoner, but who can I tell about that? Everyone would think I'd lost my small mind."
"I don't think you've lost your mind," Kimberly replied in an anxious voice. "You're making perfect…"
Kim suddenly trailed off and her eyes widened, "Doctor Oliver?" she asked, seeing Dr. Oliver approach.
"Kimberly, you should be resting," Dr. Oliver replied gently. "Mister Skullovitch, how are you?"
Skull sighed tiredly, "Could be better, but I could also be a bit worse," he replied softly. "Why are…?"
"Doctor Frank Oliver, please report to Surgery," a voice suddenly spoke over the hospital intercom.
Dr. Oliver sighed, "If you'll excuse me," he said softly, anxious to find out how Laura had fared.
"Surgery?" Kimberly asked softly. "Could I have hurt Laura when I was under that strange spell?"
Realizing what Kimberly was planning, Skull frowned, "Kim, maybe you should just rest like Doctor Oliver said," he replied in a concerned voice. "I think Laura just needs to rest and recover from what…"
Kimberly swallowed hard and hugged herself, "What have I done?" she asked in an anxious voice as she stood up and moved over to the wall opposite to where Skull was sitting. "I'm such a terrible…"
Tears filled Kimberly's eyes and she crumpled against the wall as she started to sob uncontrollably.
Skull immediately walked over to her and wasn't surprised when Kimberly melted into his arms, "Ever since Billy died, I've just wanted to die," she said in a tearful, anxious voice as she huddled into him.
"I know," Skull replied patiently, silently hoping that he could keep the promise he had made to Billy. "I can take you to where you can get some help, if you'll let me. I made a promise and I intend to keep it."
Kimberly nodded and continued to sob as Skull led her along the hallway, "I can even call Zack and some of your other friends if you want company," he continued in a soft voice as they reached the elevator.
"No," Kimberly replied in an anxious voice. "They'll judge me and hate me for still grieving…"
Skull didn't think they would, but he said nothing as he carefully led Kimberly into the elevator.
Pain shot through Malcolm's head as he opened his eyes and looked up at the sky, quickly realizing that he was outside somewhere in Angel Grove. A quick look around told him he was in some sort of park.
"Malcolm, are you okay?" Malcolm suddenly heard Tommy ask in a concerned voice.
Another spasm of pain shot through Malcolm's body as he sat up and saw Tommy sitting on the grass nearby with crutches and two bags in his hands, "Where are we?" Malcolm asked in a pained voice.
"Tommy, Malcolm?" Ashley asked as she suddenly came running across the grass. "Justin, TJ!"
Malcolm's eyes widened as Justin, TJ, and Ashley came over to him and Tommy, "We've been looking all over for you guys," TJ explained in a concerned voice. "Are you guys okay to walk out of here?"
"I am, but I think Malcolm might need some help," Tommy replied as he stood up. "What are you…?"
TJ nodded and watched as Tommy handed Malcolm's crutches to Malcolm and then helped the very shaken Malcolm into a standing position, "We found ourselves in the park and Cassie's waiting back at the bench where we woke up," Ashley explained in a concerned voice. "How are we gonna get home?"
"I just want to start walking and get home," Malcolm said in an uneasy voice. "I don't feel too good
Before anyone could reply, Malcolm started slowly hobbling across the grass, "I'm gonna follow him, but can you guys get Cassie and try and find Mister Lee Scott?" Tommy asked TJ in a quiet, concerned voice.
"Yeah," TJ replied right before he ran back across the grass. "Ashley, Justin, let's hurry and get Cassie."
Wondering if Malcolm was still grieving over Billy and the loss of his powers, Tommy followed Malcolm.
"Rocky?"
Rocky groaned and opened his eyes, surprised to see Thomas standing at his bedside with a nurse and a table filled with medical supplies, "I don't know what happened," Rocky said in an apologetic voice.
"You passed out in the ambulance, but that's all right," Thomas replied gently. "How do you feel?"
Rocky sighed and promptly noticed the IV in his right hand, "Tired," he replied weakly. "Oh man…"
"Just get some rest," Thomas replied calmly. "I called my wife a few minutes ago and she's coming…"
Rocky nodded and promptly closed his eyes, "It's so bright in here," he replied in a weak voice. "I just wanted to go to school today so I could be around people I cared about who were still alive…"
"I know," Thomas replied in a reassuring voice. "Adam told me everything; don't worry about it."
Rocky nodded, "Rocky?" he suddenly heard Adam's voice ask. "I brought Kat, Tanya, and Jason…"
Rocky slowly opened his eyes, "Hey," he said, seeing Jason, Kat, Adam, and Tanya at his bedside.
"How are you feeling, Rocky?" Tanya asked in a quiet voice as she gently took his left hand.
Rocky sighed, "Tired and a little lightheaded," he replied, grateful that he was laying down.
"Do you want some water?" Katherine asked, seeing a pitcher and paper cups on the table.
Letting out a tired sigh, Rocky shook his head, "Rocky, you've got to try and get something to stay down," Adam spoke up in a concerned voice. "Just try a little cup of water and take it from there."
"Adam, when did you get to be so assertive?" Rocky asked in a quiet voice. "You're usually…"
Adam sighed, "Since the guy I consider to be a brother lost his family and fell out of remission," he replied in a somber, but very determined voice. "You've got to think of the future, buddy."
"You're right, Adam," Rocky replied in a distressed voice. "Just doing all that stuff alone…"
Katherine sighed, "Like we'd leave you to go through everything alone," she replied firmly.
Rocky was quiet for a moment, "You guys aren't going to abandon me cause I'm sick?" he asked softly.
"No!" Tanya replied in a shocked voice. "Rocky DeSantos, how could you even think that?"
Rocky sighed, "I think I'd like to try some water," he said softly. "Can someone help me sit up?"
Thomas and the nurse gently raised the gurney so that Rocky could be up without having to move and risk getting sick, "Rocky, I'm going to step out for a minute, all right?" he asked in a gentle voice.
Rocky nodded and Thomas silently left the room, "Guys, I heard Laura wasn't well and if I can just stop feeling dizzy, I'd like to see her," he said in a faint voice. "Wait, where are Tommy and Malcolm?"
"I don't know," Jason replied in a concerned voice, disturbed that Laura was somewhere in the hospital.
Adam picked up a paper cup and filled it with water from the pitcher as Jason slipped out of the room and caught sight of his father on the phone, "…Just keep an eye out for him, I guess," he heard his father say in a concerned voice. "It's not like Malcolm to not phone after school and say what he's doing…"
Jason frowned, but didn't interrupt his father to ask questions. He instead walked towards the elevators.
"Doctor Cranston?"
Dr. Cranston opened his eyes and saw Jason standing over him and that was when he realized that he had sat on a window seat near Laura's hospital room, "Jason, I must have fallen asleep," he said in an apologetic voice as he looked up at the young teen. "Laura's resting; did you want to go see her?"
Jason silently walked over to the nearest door, peered in through the window, and was surprised to see Laura lying in bed asleep with a gown and blanket covering her body while a single IV was in her hand.
"She looks better than she did at school," Jason said in an awed voice. "What exactly was wrong?"
Secretly terrified to share his experience with the mystic figure who called himself Leanbow, Dr. Cranston sighed and stood up, "You're welcome to stay as long as you need, Jason," he said in a tired voice, overwhelmed about the experience. "I'm on duty until about six, but I can tell the other shift…"
Swallowing hard, Jason nodded and entered Laura's room in a daze, "Laura, it's Jason," he whispered in a gentle voice as he approached the bed and gently took her hand in his own. "I-I need to tell you something and you can say whatever you want after I'm done. I think…I think I'm in love with you."
Laura didn't wake, however, and Jason found himself grabbing a chair with his free arm and pulling it to her bedside, where he sat and leaned on the gurney rail. He smiled when Laura squeezed his hand.
"I'll just sit with you for a while, Laura," Jason said in a soothing voice. "Just relax and I'll protect you."
Jason was so calmed just by sitting at Laura's side that he didn't notice Dr. Cranston walk off.
"Malcolm, what's wrong?" Helen Lee Scott asked as the door opened and Tommy led a very pale, badly trembling Malcolm into the front foyer. "Tommy, what exactly happened? Why won't Malcolm talk?"
Malcolm moaned softly and lowered his head, "We were walking home from school and Malcolm got a little headache and got sick shortly after," Tommy explained in a concerned voice. "We gave our powers to some other kids and I think that's part of the reason why Malcolm's not feeling so great right now."
"That has nothing to do with it," Malcolm replied in a pained voice as he leaned over. "I just feel sick and I hurt from walking so far in this stupid walking cast. I have a horrible headache and I just feel out of it."
Helen nodded and frowned as Malcolm straightened up before gently putting her arm around him, "Thank you for bringing him home safely, Tommy," she said in an anxious voice as she led Malcolm into the den and over to the couch. "Malcolm, honey, I just want you to lie down here for a little while."
"Okay," Malcolm said in a tired voice as he slowly sank on to the couch. "I'm really sorry, Mom."
Helen smiled as she gently removed Malcolm's shoe and handed it to Tommy, who had followed them into the den, "Tommy, be a good boy and put these by the door, please," she said in a gentle voice, concerned about how tired Malcolm looked. "Now, Malcolm, I just want you to relax."
"I just hurt everywhere and I'm so cold and tired," Malcolm replied groggily. "I'm so sorry…"
Helen frowned and gently covered Malcolm with the afghan that was on the back of the couch before she sat down on the edge of the couch, "You might be coming down with something," she said softly.
Malcolm nodded and promptly closed his eyes as Tommy silently returned to the den, "Mrs. Lee Scott, I should probably get going," Tommy said in an apologetic voice. "I hope you feel better soon, Malcolm."
A light snore escaped Malcolm's lips and Helen gently stroked his hair before standing up, "Mrs. Lee Scott, can I talk to you?" Tommy asked softly, knowing the exact cause of Malcolm's symptoms.
"Come into the kitchen and we'll talk while I make some tea for Malcolm," Helen replied, concerned by what Tommy might know about why Malcolm hadn't been himself lately. "We'll let Malcolm rest."
Swallowing hard, Tommy nodded and silently followed Helen out of the den and into the kitchen.
"Laura is resting, Doctor Oliver," Dr. Cranston explained in a tired voice as Dr. Oliver stood beside him.
Dr. Oliver nodded, shocked by how serene Jason seemed at sitting by Laura's side, doing nothing more than holding her hand in his own, "I don't know what happened during the surgery, but Laura will be just fine after a good night's sleep," Dr. Cranston continued anxiously. "It's truly extraordinary."
Before Dr. Oliver could reply, Katherine and Tanya came off the elevator and down the hallway with flowers and teddy bears in their hands while Adam pushed Rocky in a wheelchair, "How did you kids all get up here?" Dr. Oliver asked in a concerned voice. "Laura's asleep and Jason's sitting with her now."
"We promise we won't stay too long," Adam spoke up softly. "Rocky and us…we're just worried."
At the mention of Rocky, Dr. Cranston's tired eyes softened, "Of course, it's understandable that you would be worried about Laura since you're her friends," he replied calmly. "You can visit for a bit."
Rocky sighed tiredly and massaged his forehead, "Guys, I'm sorry, but I think I should just see if I can get a cab and go home," he said in a tired voice, not making any effort to stand up. "It's been a long day."
Before Kat, Tanya, or Adam could protest, Dr. Oliver's cell phone went off and he quickly answered it, casting an apologetic look to everyone as he did so, "Yes?" he asked softly. "Oh, hello there, Tommy."
There was a heavy silence as Dr. Oliver listened to Tommy talk, "…That's fine as long as I know where you are and that you're going to be careful," he replied softly. "Don't be out too late, all right?"
Dr. Oliver sighed as Tommy sent his love, "Love you too, Tommy," he replied just before hanging up and returning the phone to his pocket. "It seems that Tommy is over at the Lee Scott's with Malcolm."
"Which is where Jason should also be," a voice said from behind the group. "It's getting late, you know."
Kat, Tanya, and Adam turned to see Thomas come up behind them, "Rocky, you're not in any shape to be getting a cab anywhere even if you don't want to stay here," Thomas said in a firm, but gentle voice.
"My dad's right, you know," Jason said in a tired voice as he came out of Laura's room. "Let's all go."
The group turned their attention to Jason, "Laura told me to go home and get some rest," he admitted in a tired voice as he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. "Oh, I still have homework to do…"
"Aaron, why don't you come over for dinner tonight?" Thomas spoke up, smiling at Dr. Cranston.
Dr. Cranston sighed, "That sounds wonderful, but I don't want to impose," he replied, secretly dreading to have to go back to his large house and spend yet another evening alone, without Billy for company.
"It wouldn't be an imposition," Thomas replied calmly, hoping his friend would allow himself a break.
Dr. Cranston was quiet for a moment and then nodded, "Thanks," he replied in a tired voice. "A lot of people have been telling me that I need to take a break, but I like to keep my mind busy and off of…"
"I was one of Billy's best friends, so I understand where you're coming from," Jason spoke softly.
Dr. Cranston nodded and yawned, "Right, Jason, let's take Doctor Cranston and go," Thomas said firmly.
"Oh, Thomas, I have my car," Dr. Cranston replied softly. "I'll just follow behind you and Jason."
Thomas scowled, "And end up in a car crash because you fell asleep at the wheel?" he asked firmly.
As Dr. Cranston and Thomas continued talking, Dr. Oliver, Jason, Kat, Adam, and Tanya took Rocky off towards the elevators, "You can stay with us tonight," Dr. Oliver offered gently. "That way, you can get as much rest as you need and also have access to company if you want it. Does that sound good?"
"Yeah, thanks," Rocky replied in a grateful voice. "Are you going to stay here with Laura tonight?"
Dr. Oliver sighed, "Adam and Tommy will both be there to make sure that you, Ashley, and Justin have a safe evening, so yes," he replied gently as he handed his keys to Adam. "Could you take Tanya and Katherine back to their house on your way home, Adam? Tommy should be home fairly shortly."
"Yes, Doctor Oliver," Adam replied in an obedient voice, grateful that he was trusted to do so.
Katherine sighed, "Adam, we need to stop by the Youth Center and pick Mark up," she spoke up softly.
Dr. Oliver smiled, "I'll call in the morning when Laura is ready to be released and you or Tommy can bring the car here," he said in a calming voice. "It's the weekend, but I expect you all to behave."
Adam and Rocky nodded and were silent as they left with Katherine and Tanya, "Doctor Oliver, have a good evening," Dr. Cranston spoke tiredly. "I'll be riding with Thomas and Jason will drive my car."
"You too, Aaron," Dr. Oliver replied in a calm voice. "Get some rest and I hope you have a good night."
Pleased that Billy's father was finally letting himself relax, Dr. Oliver walked back towards Laura's room.
Exhausted from a long day of school and training, Mark used his cane to maneuver over to a table near the counter at the Youth Center, "Ernie?" he called out in a gentle voice. "Ernie, can I have a glass of water, please? It's been a long day and I'm just trying to do homework until Katherine comes back."
"Of course, Mark," Ernie replied warmly as he got a glass from the rack behind the newly built bar counter, filled it with water from the sink, and set it near Mark's hand. "Do you want anything else?"
Mark shook his head and yawned, "I'm all right," he replied softly. "I can wait until it's dinnertime."
Before Ernie could reply, Bulk came into the common area with a raggedy backpack over one shoulder while his patched jeans and checkered shirt looked very wet. He was extremely pale and trembling.
"Bulk, come back!" Ernie heard Zack say in an anxious voice. "I only want to talk to you!"
Swallowing hard, Bulk ran behind the counter and ducked into the kitchen, "I'm not here!" he hissed to Ernie, who was very concerned by Bulk's unusually unkempt appearance and nervous behavior.
A moment later, Zack entered the common area with a concerned look on his face, "Ernie, Mark, do you know if Bulk is here?" he asked in a concerned voice. "I saw him at the school cleaning classrooms and I went to say hi, but he put all the cleaning stuff away, and took off. He didn't look really okay to me."
Ernie was at a loss for what to say and was considering lying when there was suddenly a loud crash in the kitchen, "Bulk?" Ernie asked as he entered the kitchen and saw Bulk lying semiconscious in the middle of an overturned kitchen cart holding pots, pans, utensils, and a few containers. "Bulk?
"No, don't hit me again," Bulk mumbled. "I'll really try to do better, Mom and Dad. Don't keep hitting…"
Ernie frowned as Zack entered the kitchen, "Zack, stay with Bulk," he said in a concerned voice.
Zack nodded and knelt down next to Bulk as Ernie moved out of the kitchen and immediately grabbed the phone off his counter to phone for emergency services. Something definitely didn't seem right.
"Ernie, is there anything I can do?" Mark asked in a concerned voice, wanting to help Bulk if he could.
Listening to the phone ring, Ernie sighed, "Pray," he replied in an anxious voice. "And stay calm."
Mark nodded, "I hope Bulk is all right," he whispered anxiously as he listened to Ernie talk on the phone.
Tears slid down Skull's tired eyes as he silently walked down Main Street with his head down; at Kimberly's demand, he had helped her go to the hospital's psychiatric ward for help in dealing with all that she had been through, but she had told him to leave so that she could work on everything alone.
Skull was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't realize that he was now passing houses and that he was slowly being followed by Jason, who was driving Dr. Cranston's car, "Skull?" he suddenly heard.
"Jason?" Skull asked as he turned and saw Jason following him in a car. "Why are you following me?"
Jason sighed, "I was on my way home and I saw you," he replied in a worried voice. "Are you okay?"
"Jason, Kimberly made me take her to the hospital's psychiatric floor because of what happened with Laura," Skull replied in an exasperated voice. "I don't mean to be rude, but do I sound all right to you?"
Jason frowned, but he sighed patiently, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, Jason," Skull replied softly.
"Do you want a ride somewhere?" Jason offered, concerned by how tired Skull seemed to be.
Skull shook his head, "I don't live far from here," he replied softly. "Thanks anyway, Jason."
As Skull walked off, Jason frowned and silently decided to head for home and just have a quiet night.
When Jason arrived at the house with Dr. Cranston's car, however, he found his parents and Dr. Cranston eating a quiet meal in the dining room, "Where's Malcolm?" Jason asked worriedly.
"Oh, honey, Malcolm came home from school today not feeling too well," Helen replied in a gentle voice as she frowned at Jason. "He went to bed about a half hour ago, but I did make him a little bit of soup. If you don't mind waiting a bit for your dinner, could you take the soup to him and see how he's doing?"
Deeply worried about Malcolm's sudden illness, Jason nodded, "Of course, Mom," he replied softly.
Jason silently went into the kitchen, gathered the bowl of soup, a spoon, and a got a glass of water from the sink before going to the bedroom that he and Malcolm shared, "Malcolm, how are you feeling?" Jason asked, seeing that Malcolm was laying in his bed trying to read by lamplight. "Mom said you were sleeping, but she asked me to bring you some soup."
"I can't sleep, Jase, and I'm reading to see if I can feel something," Malcolm replied in a tired voice. "I can't feel anything."
Jason frowned and he set the soup on a small tray beside Malcolm's bed before he sat down on his own bed, "I don't know why I feel this way right now, but I do," Malcolm explained in a tired voice. "It's not contagious."
"Would it help if I told you I really miss Billy too?" Jason asked in a concerned voice. "It's really hard…"
Malcolm sighed patiently as he looked at Jason, "I don't know if it's just Billy, honestly," he replied in a tired voice. "I've been feeling like this on and off for the longest time and I don't know what to do. I don't know if I'm going crazy or what, Jason."
"I'll do whatever I can to help you figure it out," Jason promised in a sincere voice, hoping that Malcolm would be okay.
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